PORTLAND: LaMarcus Aldridge scored 32 points and grabbed 10 points to spark Portland over the Los Angeles Clippers 116-112 in overtime yesterday, giving the Trail Blazers the NBA’s best record.
French forward Nicolas Batum and guard Wesley Matthews each added 19 points, making key contributions in the fourth quarter and overtime as the Trail Blazers improved to 24-5, moving past Oklahoma City and Indiana, both 23-5, for the NBA’s top mark.
It also mark’s Portland’s best 29-game start to an NBA season since going 23-6 to open the 1990-91 campaign and edged to Trail Blazers ahead of Oklahoma City atop the Northwest division.
“We just slowed it down, trying to get stops,” Aldridge said. “I made some shots down the stretch.”
Blake Griffin scored 35 points and grabbed 11 rebounds, while Chris Paul contributed 34 points and a game-high 16 assists for the Clippers, who fell to 20-11 but still lead the Pacific division.
“They are good. They have so many weapons,” Aldridge said. “They played great.” AFP
