Lillard, Simons lead Trail Blazers past Grizzlies, 122-112
MEMPHIS, Tenn. (AP) – Damian Lillard had 42 points and 10 assists, Anfernee Simons added 26 points and the Portland Trail Blazers rallied to beat the Memphis Grizzlies 122-112 on Wednesday night.
Jerami Grant had 18 points in the first half before leaving with concussion symptoms. Portland outscored Memphis 38-22 in the fourth quarter to win for the fourth time in five games.
Ja Morant had 32 points, 12 assists and nine rebounds for Memphis. Jaren Jackson Jr. added 18 points and six blocks, and Desmond Bane had 17 points.
The teams were tied at 109 with two minutes to play, but Lillard’s 3-pointer and Simons’ layup were good for Morant’s goal. When Drew Eubanks converted a three-point play into a layup, Portland led 117-109.
Lillard scored 17 points in the third quarter, but Morant countered with 16 points in the period and Memphis took a 90-84 lead into the quarter.
ADVICES
Trail Blazers: C Jusuf Nurkic left early in the first quarter with left calf soreness and did not return. Nurkic was listed on the pregame injury report with the same injury. … Lillard has at least 25 points in 12 of his last 13 games.
Grizzlies: C Brandon Clarke was 3-for-6 from the field and has made 24 of his last 35 shots.
ALL-STAR LOBBYING
Portland coach Chauncey Billups said he’s filled out his All-Star ballot and acknowledged he got some calls from other coaches pushing for their teams. And maybe a little more. “There’s definitely some bribery involved,” Billups said with a smile.
UNTIL THE NEXT
Trail Blazers: At Washington on Friday night.
Grizzlies: At Cleveland on Thursday night.
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