Jeremi Grant 28 points nd Damian Lillard 21 points helped Portland defeats Indiana Pacers.
Portland Trail Blazer Jerami Grant scored 28 points to help defeat the Indiana Pacers 116-100 on Sunday night.
Blazers star Damian Lillard who also came back from injury also scored 21 points and dished six assists. He’s missed 12 games so far this season.
“It felt good especially coming off last night,” Lillard said after Portland swept a back-to-back set after winning in Utah on Saturday night. “We picked up a big win and I just wanted to encourage the team and bring that energy to get us on a win streak.
“I felt normal, I felt good. I think this time it wasn’t as bad as the first time.”
Anfernee Simons had 22 points and six assists on the night, while Jusuf Nurkic had 19 points and six rebounds.
One night after Grant and Simons combined to score 78 points in a win at Utah, Lillard wanted to make sure his return didn’t lead to them turning down their own offense.
“Don’t let me stop you from being aggressive,” Lillard said of Grant and Simons, who combined to score 50 in Sunday’s win. “I’m going to have the ball in my hands and I’m going to find opportunities to do what I do. That’s what I do.”
Myles Turner led the Pacers with 24 points and nine rebounds. Buddy Hield had 22 points in support as the Pacers were without starting point guard Tyrese Haliburton (groin).
Lillard linked with his first field goal attempt — a step back 3-pointer from the corner. With Lillard back in uniform, Portland kept the Pacers at bay for much of the game. Although the Pacers jumped out to an early lead in the first quarter by hitting six of 10 shots, Portland was in control for most of the game.
The Blazers were hot from the outside, shooting 17 of 40 (42.5%) from the 3-point line. Ball movement was key for Portland as they had 32 assists on 42 made field goals.
“If we’re really going to win, then it has to be collective,” Lillard said. “It’s really encouraging for me to see it really unfold.”
