The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Atlanta Hawks, 113 - 97, at Phillips Arena on Saturday evening. The Trail Blazers (31 - 37) checked into Saturday's contest with victories in six of their previous eight games, but facing a tough test against an Eastern Conference playoff hopeful in the Hawks (37 - 32). Portland was more than up for the challenge, ambushing their hosts by outscoring them 40 - 18 in the first quarter.They maximized their scoring opportunities overall, with all five starters posting double - digit scoring, and success rates of 51 percent from the field, 44 percent from three - point range and 90 percent from the free - throw line. A combination of that hot hand offensively and solid play on the other end of the floor helped them overcome 20 turnovers. Damian Lillard led the way with 27 points, which he supplemented with five rebounds, five assists and two steals. C.J. McCollum was next with 22 points, six rebounds, five assists, two blocks and one steal. Allen Crabbe followed with a bench - leading 16 points, which he supplemented with three rebounds and two steals. Jusuf Nurkic went for 12 points, nine boards, six assists, five blocks and two steals. Maurice Harkless matched Nurkic's point total and added four boards, four assists, two steals and one block. Noah Vonleh rounded out the first unit's successful evening with 10 points and 11 rebounds. Ersan Ilyasova drew a start for Paul Millsap (knee) and provided a team - high 23 points, along with four rebounds, one assist, two steals and one block. Tim Hardaway, Jr. followed with a bench - leading 22 points, as well as two rebounds, two assists and one steal. Dwight Howard posted a 14 - point, 10 - rebound double - double that also included three assists, five steals and one block. Kent Bazemore compiled 12 points, two assists and a block. Thabo Sefolosha was notably held scoreless over 19 minutes. The Trail Blazers continue on a southern trajectory, with their next stop in South Florida on Sunday evening to take on the Miami Heat. The Hawks head to Charlotte for a Monday night date with the Hornets.
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