The Portland Trail Blazers are still on a roll despite major injuries to CJ McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic. The Oregon team added their fifth victory in the last six games, beating JB Bickerstaff’s Cleveland Cavaliers by a comfortable 110-129.
Gary Trent Jr. led the home team’s offense with 26 points and four trebles; followed by a stormy Carmelo Anthony with 23 points from the second unit, and an Enes Kanter who recorded a new double-double: 21 points and 13 rebounds.
For his part, his star Damian Lillard contributed 20 points and 9 assists, and he was able to afford the luxury of resting throughout the last period, because he had dragged various physical discomforts.
“We’re very focused right now. Try to get the most wins, ”Trent Jr. admitted to ESPN.
The Blazers are gaining momentum with three straight wins in their clubhouse, and on February 15, they will begin a three-game road trip against Dallas, Oklahoma City and New Orleans. They are currently fifth in the West with a 15-10 record.
For their part, the Cavaliers are sinking in the East with six consecutive losses and only two wins in the last ten games they have played. Collin Sexton led his offense with 25 points, followed by Jarrett Allen with 22 points leaving in reserve.
“Right now we have a really bad streak against some good teams,” said coach Bickerstaff.
Remember, the Cavaliers received a beating at the hands of the Denver Nuggets the day before by 133-95; and against the Blazers, they also had no real options for winning the game.
“We have to find the will to play. The will to do it, ”said André Drummond. “We’re playing against very good teams right now, playoff teams. It’s a great test for us as a young team to take on them and see where we are at. Obviously we have a lot to improve, ”he admitted.
(Photo by couverture: Tim Nwachukwu /.)
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