Two of the NBA's biggest stars in Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo squared off late Tuesday night in Portland, but it was another productive player who took over at the Moda Center. C.J. McCollum went off for 40 points, as the Portland Trail Blazers got the best of the Milwaukee Bucks, 118-103. McCollum shot 17-of-26 from the floor to lead his team to a 52.7 shooting percentage and their eighth win of the season, five of which have come at home. McCollum also added six assists in his breakout night, helping the Blazers hand the Bucks their second loss in 10 games this season.
The win for the Trail Blazers keeps them in third place in the Western Conference standings, as McCollum overcame a somewhat slow start to his season. Evan Turner chipped in with 16 points and 11 rebounds, as Portland never trailed on this night.
Antetokounmpo finished with 23 points and nine rebounds to lead the Bucks, who dropped to an even 2-2 away from home. Big man Brook Lopez continued to produce in his first season with Milwaukee, finishing with 22 points, including 6-for-10 from beyond the arc, in a losing effort. It was a hot start for both teams, as the Trail Blazers held a 33-31 lead after 12 minutes of play, and both teams shot over 50 percent from the floor and three-point range in the first quarter.
McCollum's big quarter was the third, as he came out of halftime with 19 points, helping Portland to a 13-point lead after three. The Blazers put up 34 points in the third quarter, outscoring the Bucks by eight in that span,
Both teams will have tough challenges coming their way on Thursday night, with the Bucks' being a lot more difficult when they visit the Golden State Warriors. Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers will stay home to host the Los Angeles Clippers.
The win for the Trail Blazers keeps them in third place in the Western Conference standings, as McCollum overcame a somewhat slow start to his season. Evan Turner chipped in with 16 points and 11 rebounds, as Portland never trailed on this night.
Antetokounmpo finished with 23 points and nine rebounds to lead the Bucks, who dropped to an even 2-2 away from home. Big man Brook Lopez continued to produce in his first season with Milwaukee, finishing with 22 points, including 6-for-10 from beyond the arc, in a losing effort. It was a hot start for both teams, as the Trail Blazers held a 33-31 lead after 12 minutes of play, and both teams shot over 50 percent from the floor and three-point range in the first quarter.
McCollum's big quarter was the third, as he came out of halftime with 19 points, helping Portland to a 13-point lead after three. The Blazers put up 34 points in the third quarter, outscoring the Bucks by eight in that span,
Both teams will have tough challenges coming their way on Thursday night, with the Bucks' being a lot more difficult when they visit the Golden State Warriors. Meanwhile, the Trail Blazers will stay home to host the Los Angeles Clippers.
