Western Conference Recaps, March 22: Damian Lillard's 30 Points Led Balanced Portland Trail Blazers Against Utah Jazz
The Portland Trail Blazers finally got a much-needed win.
Led by Damian Lillard, the Trail Blazers defeated the Utah Jazz 127-115, snapping a season-high six-game losing streak.
Lillard recorded 30 points and 12 assists while three other Trail Blazers scored 20-plus points. Rookie Shaedon Sharpe finished with 24, Trendon Watford 21 and Jusuf Nurkic 20.
“What stands out is Shaedon — his game was incredible — and Trendon continues to be consistent,” Portland head coach Chauncey Billups said. “I liked everything from the team tonight.”
After being sidelined a game with a back injury, Lauri Markkanen led the Jazz with 40 points and 12 rebounds. It was the most points he scored since Feb. 23. Kelly Olynyk had 12 points and 10 rebounds while Kris Dunn led all reserves with 15 points.
OTHER NOTES:
-After being sidelined nearly five months due to a calf injury, Karl-Anthony Towns returned with a huge performance. He had 22 points for the Minnesota Timberwolves, which included two clutch free throws to secure a 125-124 victory against the Atlanta Hawks. Jaden McDaniels had 25 points and Naz Reid led all reserves with 26.
Trae Young led the Hawks with 29 points while De’Andre Hunter and John Collins scored 16.
-The Golden State Warriors won a second straight road game for the first time this season. Behind Jonathan Kuminga’s 22 points, they grabbed a 127-125 victory against the Dallas Mavericks. While Klay Thompson struggled, Stephen Curry had 20 and 13 assists.
With Kyrie Irving sidelined with a foot injury, Luka Doncic led the Mavericks with 30 points and 17 assists upon his return from a five-game absence (thigh injury).
-All five Houston Rockets starters scored in double-figures to take a 130-125 victory over the Memphis Grizzlies. Jalen Green scored 32 points and Kenyon Martin had 31. Jaren Jackson led the Grizzlies with a season-high 37 points and 10 rebounds. After a nine-game absence, Ja Morant scored 17 points off the bench.
-Anthony Davis’ 27 points led the Los Angeles Lakers to a 122-111 victory against the Phoenix Suns. D’Angelo Russell had 26 and Austin Reaves had 25 points and a career-high 11 assists. Devin Booker recorded 33 points for the Suns and Chris Paul had 18.
Cory Nelson is a contributor to Inside The Heat. He attended Northern Virginia Community College. He can be reached at corymckenzienelson@hotmail.com or follow him on Twitter @CKenzyNelson. You can also check out his personal blog HERE.
