The Portland Trail Blazers fought through a slow start, but ultimately couldn’t overcome a hungry and energized Memphis Grizzlies squad Friday, falling 130-128 in another heartbreaker at the Moda Center - their fourth loss in row.
Damian Lillard overcame a challenging first half to lead Portland with 27 points, and Jusuf Nurkic delivered one of his best games of the season with 26 points, 17 rebounds and 5 assists.
Sophomore sensation Ja Morant proved too much to handle, turning in game-highs of 33 points and 13 assists.
First Quarter
The Blazers were their own worst enemy for much of the opening period, coughing up the ball six times and making the Grizzlies’ overly-tenacious defense look brilliant.