Due to, once again, another strong second half, the Portland Trail Blazers improved to 12-3 on the season and are currently on a nine-game winning streak. They continue to scare fans by digging a hole early on, but they somehow manage to bring it back every time.

Although All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge had a rough night, the Blazers backcourt stepped it up. Combining for 50 points, Wesley Matthews and Damian Lillard filled in for Aldridge’s 3-for-18 shooting and played a big part in the Blazers’ win.

After a terrible second quarter, they were down by 11 going into the half. Both Matthews and Lillard couldn’t find the bottom of the net, but that became a Hornet problem once the third quarter began.

Portland outscored Charlotte 34-20 in the third, and it was smooth sailing from there. Kemba Walker and the Hornets almost put a run together with about three minutes remaining in the fourth quarter, but it was quickly silenced by a strategic Terry Stotts timeout and great defense by the Blazers.

The big story of the game, however, was Charlotte’s Brian Roberts. He scored 24 points on 10-of-17 shooting in just 32 minutes. This cut into Marvin Williams’ play time, but because Williams hasn’t been contributing offensively lately, it was a great move by Hornets coach Steve Clifford. Don’t be surprised if Roberts starts their game against the Warriors on Friday.

Thanks to this win over the Hornets, even without Meyers Leonard, Will Barton, Dorell Wright and Thomas Robinson, the Portland Trail Blazers will head into Thanksgiving on a league-leading nine-game winning streak. They will look to make that streak double digits on Friday versus the fiery hot Memphis Grizzlies.

  Hornets Blazers
Points Roberts-24 Matthews-28
Rebounds Jefferson-14 Aldridge-14
Assists Walker-9 Lillard-7
Steals Stephenson-2 Batum-2
Blocks Jefferson-2 2 tied with 3
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About the author
Newtons Fourth Law
Portland Trail Blazers writer.