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Blazers lose lead, game to injury-riddled Boston Celtics

By Shawn P. O’Connor

Portland Trail Blazers CJ McCollum (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)
Portland Trail Blazers CJ McCollum (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images) /
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The Trail Blazers lose at home, 105-100, to a wounded Celtics team, falling to within a game of fourth-seeded OKC. (Guess who the Blazers play Sunday.)

Disappointing. Heartbreaking. Worrisome.

On a night when Damian Lillard and CJ McCollum got back on track, the Blazers’ supporting cast wasn’t up to the task.

Dame and CJ combined for 52 points, while the rest of the roster scored just 48.

First Quarter

The first quarter was full of runs, with Boston starting out hot, taking a 10-5 lead in the first 3:27.

Portland quickly responded, however, and delivered a 21-9 run that featured:

1. A monstrous transition dunk by Aminu:

2. Damian finding his long-range shot after going 0-for-7 from three Tuesday against Houston:

The first quarter ended with the Blazers leading 26-23. Al-Farouq Aminu lead all Blazers in first-quarter scoring for the second consecutive game.

Second Quarter

The second quarter started as a back and forth affair, featuring a tag team block by Zach Collins and Ed Davis:

Boston hit its stride midway through the second quarter with a 10-2 run that tied the game at the 2:58 mark. Portland quickly responded, however, finishing the half on a 10-5 run, taking a 52-47 lead into the locker room.

Aminu was still the leading scorer at this point with 11. McCollum also got back on track this game (after going 0-5 from distance against Houston) and hit a three-pointer.

Third Quarter

The game remained competitive in the third quarter. And we got to see a Jusuf Nurkic slam:

And one from CJ!

Portland used a 12-4 run midway through the quarter to take a 64-53 lead. They would stretch the lead to 10 points, 77-67, heading into the final quarter.

Fourth Quarter

Boston came out of the break firing on all cylinders, taking a one-point lead on an 18-7 run to start the quarter.

The run was a bad sign for the Blazers — but Evan Turner put in this very nice shot:

CJ, refusing to be held down, scored on three spectacular dribble drives, including this gem:

Slipping Away

Boston took a 96-94 lead with two minutes to play, before a lefty layup by Lillard tied the game at 96.

Boston quickly retook the lead at 98-96, and after a Damian air ball, Marcus Morris hit a three to put the Celtics up five, 101-96 with 55 seconds to play.

The Celtics would not relinquish their lead, although Portland came within three points, needing a stop for a chance to send the contest to overtime.

The Blazers defense held, but Boston grabbed the offensive board, forcing Portland to foul. Terry Rozier hit both free throws.

Next: Blazers must weather the storm(s) before the storm(s)

Final score: Celtics 105, Blazers 100.

Blazers lose their second straight.

Takeaways

  1. With the loss, Portland is only a single game ahead of OKC, and only 1.5 games ahead of the Spurs and the Pelicans.
  2. Despite Dame and CJ finding their shot, Portland was a disappointing 8/33 from distance, while allowing Boston to shoot 11/18 on long-range shots.
  3. Portland’s defense disappeared in the fourth quarter; the Celtics outscored the Blazers, 38-23.

Next Up for the Blazers

Portland (44-28) looks to get back to its winning ways as they travel to Oklahoma City (44-30). Tip-off is set for 4 p.m. PDT Sunday.