The hottest team in the NBA right now, Portland Trail Blazers, came into Charlotte trying to achieve their 9th consecutive win on the young NBA season. They looked for a big performance from their very skilled back court and got just that as Damian Lillard and Wesley Matthews combined for 50 points to help defeat the Hornets 105-97.
Wesley Matthews scored a season-high 28 points with back court mate Damian Lillard scoring 22 points with 7 assists to lead the Blazers. Robin Lopez added 15 points and 10 rebounds for the Trail Blazers and the other star for the Blazers, LaMarcus Aldridge, struggled shooting 3-18 from the field but had 9 points with 14 rebounds. Nicolas Batum scored 10 points with 6 rebounds and Chris Kaman came off the bench to contribute 12 points with 7 rebounds.
Al Jefferson had 21 points and 14 rebounds for his fifth double-double on the season. Kemba Walker had 15 points with 9 assists and his back court mate Gerald Henderson also had 15 points and grabbed 6 rebounds as well. Brian Roberts had a career-high 24 points with 4 rebounds and 4 assists for Charlotte.
The Hornets continue to get bad news, they have lost 7 straight and 9 of their last 10. Injuries keep piling up for the Hornets, who had two starters go down during the game. Marvin Williams left in the second quarter with a sprained left shoulder and Walker took an elbow to the head in the third. Walker returned in the fourth quarter, but Williams did not return at all.
Matthews shot 10-15 from the field and 6-9 from 3 as Portland improved to 7-0 against Eastern Conference teams.
Portland Trail Blazers are 12-3. Charlotte Hornets are 4-12.
Full Game Highlights
https://youtu.be/N1eJR1oBBBs
