Sports

Nicolas Batum, Damian Lillard lead Trail Blazers past 76ers 89-85 for 8th straight home win

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Portland Trail Blazers forward Nicolas Batum, right, from France, looks to pass inside against Philadelphia 76ers guard Evan Turner during the second half of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012. Batum led the Trail Blazers with 22 points as they defeated the 76ers 89-85.(AP Photo/Don Ryan) (The Associated Press)

Philadelphia 76ers center Lavoy Allen, right, defends as Portland Trail Blazers center J.J. Hickson shoots during the first quarter of an NBA basketball game in Portland, Ore., Saturday, Dec. 29, 2012.(AP Photo/Don Ryan) (The Associated Press)

Nicolas Batum had 22 points, eight assists and seven rebounds, Damian Lillard added 20 points and the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Philadelphia 76ers 89-85 on Saturday night for their eighth straight victory at home.

J.J. Hickson had 16 points and 13 rebounds for Portland. LaMarcus Aldridge added 16 points.

Jrue Holiday had 29 points, nine assists and nine rebounds to lead the Sixers, who have lost eight of 10. Thaddeus Young added 17 points.

Portland led 84-76 late in the game, but Young made two big baskets, including a three-point play to cut the lead to three. Spencer Hawes and Dorell Wright missed 3-pointers for the Sixers, however, and Batum hit three of four free throws to seal it.