News

Blazers hand Celtics 4th straight loss

Portland Trail Blazers guard CJ McCollum (3) in the first half of an NBA basketball game Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019, in Denver. Photo: Associated Press/(AP Photo/David Zalubowski)


The Portland Trail Blazers have come to the other side of the country and beat up some of the Eastern Conference’s best teams.

Of course, at the moment, it’s not clear where in that hierarchy the Boston Celtics belong.

The Trail Blazers beat Boston 97-92 on Wednesday night for the Celtics’ fourth straight loss. It was the fifth consecutive win overall for Portland, and the fourth during a five-game swing that has also included victories over playoff hopefuls Philadelphia and Brooklyn.

Damian Lillard scored 33 points, Maurice Harkless had 17 points and 10 rebounds, and Portland improved to 18-4 against the East this season.

“We’re playing together offensively. Defensively, we’ve been sharp,” Lillard said. “We’re getting it from everybody on both ends of the floor and just being consistent. When you get that type of consistent effort from multiple guys — everybody in the rotation — this is what it looks like.”

Jusef Nurkic scored 16 points, and CJ McCollum finished with 14 points for the Blazers.

“There’s a lot to like about that game,” coach Terry Stotts said.

The struggling Celtics are winless since the All-Star break. Kyrie Irving scored 31 points to lead Boston, which was coming off a 118-95 rout at Toronto and didn’t lead after the first quarter Wednesday.

While Boston played better, the Celtics’ recent struggles continued.

“It just wasn’t enough,” Irving said. “We know what we’re capable of. When we don’t play to that level, we know it. There’s no sugar coating it.”

Jaylen Brown had 10 points and 10 rebounds for the Celtics, Jayson Tatum had 14 points, and Marcus Smart and Al Horford scored 13 each.

Boston coach Brad Stevens said the Celtics seemed to be pressing for a better performance than the previous night. Boston is fifth in the conference, well behind East-leading Milwaukee.

“I think we were disappointed in ourselves and we looked like a team that really wanted tonight to go well. And it didn’t,” Stevens said. “You’re going to have games like that and so, (I’m) a lot more encouraged tonight than I was last night.”

Irving gave Boston a chance with a 3-pointer with 28 seconds left, cutting Portland’s lead to 95-92, but the Celtics were forced to foul, and Lillard sealed it with two free throws with 12 seconds left.

Lillard also pulled down seven rebounds, and Portland outrebounded the Celtics 48-41.

Recent Headlines

1 day ago in Sports

Fernando Mendoza throws a pick-6, struggles in 1st half of Raiders’ 22-20 preseason win over Texans

Top pick Fernando Mendoza is finding out quickly that he has a lot of work to do as he begins his NFL career. Mendoza struggled in his second preseason game, throwing an interception that Houston returned for a touchdown before the Las Vegas Raiders rallied late for a 22-20 victory over the Texans on Thursday night.

2 days ago in Sports

No. 1 overall pick Azzi Fudd of the Dallas Wings is set for season-ending surgery on sore knee

Dallas Wings guard Azzi Fudd is set for season-ending surgery on a sore knee that has sidelined this year's No. 1 overall pick for the past five games.

2 days ago in Sports

Max Verstappen extends contract with Red Bull to 2030 after he weighed up leaving F1

Max Verstappen says he seriously considered leaving Formula 1 before the four-time champion instead committed to four more years with Red Bull on Thursday.

2 days ago in Sports

Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers to play NHL games in Germany in 2027

The Boston Bruins and Edmonton Oilers will each play two regular-season games in Germany next year as part of the NHL and NHLPA's efforts to grow hockey in the country, the league announced Thursday.

4 days ago in Sports

LIV Golf to end season early and cancel the Michigan team event

LIV Golf is ending its season one week earlier than planned, announcing Monday it will not hold the team championship in Michigan next week and instead crown the team champion this week 20 miles north of Indianapolis.