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Sports

Blazers play host to Timberwolves

By Sports Network
Published | Updated

(SportsNetwork.com) - The Portland Trail Blazers snapped a two-game losing streak last time out and will try to build some momentum Saturday night when the Minnesota Timberwolves visit the Moda Center.

Portland had dropped back-to-back decisions on a recent four-game road trip, but returned home Thursday night to knock off the Denver Nuggets, 110-105. It was the Blazers' fourth consecutive home victory.

LaMarcus Aldridge dropped in a career-high 44 points, including eight clutch free throws in the final 1:07. Aldridge pulled down 13 rebounds, recorded five assists and scored the last 15 points for the Blazers, who avoided losing three in a row for the first time this season.

"LaMarcus just keeps impressing everybody with what he's doing," Portland head coach Terry Stotts said of his star center. "He was aggressive to the basket, he made his jump shots, he made his free throws, he rebounded, he came up big when we needed him."

Aldridge should have no worries on Thursday night when the All-Star reserves are announced.

Wesley Matthews chipped in 24 points, while Robin Lopez had 12 with nine rebounds for the victors. Damian Lillard, who also has a great chance at an All-Star berth, finished with 11 points.

Portland scored 28 points off of 22 Denver turnovers.

The Timberwolves have won three in a row since a three-game slide and improved to 2-0 on a four-game road trip with Friday's 121-120 victory over the Warriors.

Kevin Martin's go-ahead left baseline jumper with 8.4 seconds remaining sealed the win for Minnesota, which evened its mark at 21-21 and pushed its road record to 9-13 this season. Martin had 26 points and Kevin Love added 26 as well to go along with 14 rebounds and eight assists. Love made 11-of-14 shots from the foul line.

"Just a great win for our team, we've lost so many close games this year," Wolves head coach Rick Adelman said. "Kevin Martin made a big shot."

The Wolves shot 50 percent (47-of-94) from the field and received 22 points and 14 rebounds out of Nikola Pekovic. Corey Brewer scored 15 points and Ricky Rubio ended with nine and 12 assists.

Minnesota will close the road trip Monday at Chicago.

The Wolves won this season's only matchup with Portland, a 120-109 decision back in December. That snapped a five-game winning streak for the Blazers, who have taken 21 of their last 24 versus the T'Wolves and are 14-1 in the last 15 matchups in Portland.