The Portland Trail Blazers started their game with the Toronto Raptors on Monday night in familiar fashion: looking like they didn’t really care. After a first quarter filled with moans and groans, Portland’s bench picked up the pace and got the Blazers back in the game. From there, tough inside scoring, active defense, and a few shots by CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard in the fourth period salted away a much-needed 118-113 victory.
McCollum led the Blazers with 29 points on 11-18 shooting. He captained the decisive fourth quarter, providing a sure, secure outlet when Portland needed points.