Blazers Drop Third Straight Into All-Star Break 132-121 In Denver
750 The Game Staff
Jamal Murray scored 55 points, a career-high, to propel the Denver Nuggets past the Trail Blazers 132-121 in both teams’ final game before the All-Star break.
Portland has lost three straight heading into the break after winning 11 of 12 games prior. Their 23-32 overall record sits 13th in the West and 4.5 games back of 10-seed Golden State (27-27) for the final play-in tournament spot.
Portland returns to action after the All-Star break on Thursday, Feb. 20th hosting Luka Doncic, LeBron James and the Los Angeles Lakers at Moda Center.
Earlier Wednesday, the Blazers announced center Deandre Ayton would miss at least four weeks due to a left calf strain suffered in Monday’s loss in Denver.
Donovan Clingan pulled down 20 rebounds with 17 points for the Blazers, becoming the first Blazer rookie since Sam Bowie in 1985 to haul in 20 rebounds in a game.
Anfernee Simons had a team-high 26 points on 9-19 shooting and 6 assists for the Blazers, and Jabari Walker had 17 points off the bench on 6-7 shooting with 7 rebounds.
Jerami Grant and Robert Williams III both missed the game with knee soreness, and Scoot Henderson missed the game due to an ankle sprain in the fourth quarter of Monday’s loss. Henderson won’t participate in Friday’s Rising Stars game at NBA All-Star weekend as a result of the injury.