The Portland Trail Blazers (46 - 25) defeated the Phoenix Suns (38 - 35) 87 - 81 on Friday. LaMarcus Aldridge was able to give it a go on Friday despite a finger injury that's been bothering him for much of the season. His production was uncompromised as he was able to pour in 27 points to go along with nine boards, one assist and one block. The other fist of the one - two punch that makes up the Blazers attack is Damian Lillard. He did n't play his best basketball putting up 11 points, four rebounds and four assists. It helped to have French swingman Nicolas Batum back in the fold after missing some time with a back injury. Batum recorded five points, nine rebounds and five assists in 32 minutes in his return. The Suns were once again without Brandon Knight who sat out his seventh straight game with an ankle injury. The Suns were 5 - 2 without Knight until Friday's tilt with the Trail Blazers. Marcus Morris got the start in Knight's place and recorded 15 points and nine rebounds. His twin brother Markieff had 19 points and 12 rebounds. Eric Bledsoe had an illness that jeopardized his playing status but he was able to suit up and play. He finished with 13 points and seven assists in 38 minutes of action. The Suns will host the Oklahoma City Thunder on Sunday, as the Trail Blazers will welcome the Denver Nuggets to Portland on Saturday.
["TeamStat(G,'Suns') has 35 Losses ,has 81 Total points ,has 38 Wins ."
 "TeamStat(G,'Trail Blazers') has 25 Losses ,has 87 Total points ,has 46 Wins ."]