----- The Trail Blazers get 41 points off the bench to defeat the Lakers in Los Angeles 95-92 on Saturday night.
With Damian Lillard sidelined for the second-straight game while nursing a strained hamstring, Terry Stotts got a team effort which delivered a 95-92 win over the Lakers Saturday night at Staples Center in downtown Los Angeles. With the win, the Trail Blazers improved their road record to 10-6.
Maurice Harkless delivered his best performance of the year for Portland (17-16) scoring 13 of his 22 points in the fourth quarter. Harkless shot 9-of-16 from the floor and pulled down six rebounds. He scored the final four points of the game for the Blazers.
Shabazz Napier led all starters with 21 points and Zach Collins added 11 points and six rebounds off the bench. CJ McCollum scored 17 points but his shooting struggles continued as he connected on just 7-of-23 from the floor.
The key stretch of the game came during an 8-0 run for the Blazers to close out the third quarter which tied the game at 70-70. The Blazers were active on the defensive end of the floor forcing the Lakers into 17 turnovers.
The win was the 14th-straight victory for the Blazers over the Lakers.
Next up- The Blazers will have four days off before hosting the 76ers on December 28th. Game is scheduled to tip off at 7:30 PM.
Chad's take- Merry Christmas Rip City!