Portland, Oregon — — Anphanie Simmons Scored 29 points, including seven 3-pointers, portland trailblazers Four straight wins to start the season with a 135-110 victory. Denver Nuggets on monday night.
Simmons scored 22 points and six 3s in the third quarter alone as Portland became the only 4-0 team in the NBA. Damien Lillard After a sluggish start, they finished with 31 points and 8 assists for the Blazers who took over in the second half.
“Explosive and fun,” Lillard said of Simmons’ third quarter blowout. “Just being able to see it, I was watching the crowd. It was crazy like he was blowing the roof off this place.”
Portland last opened 4-0 in 1999. The Blazers are the only undefeated team in the Western Conference.
Aaron Gordon 26 points for the Nuggets (2-2). Nikola JokicHaving had consecutive triple-doubles in Denver’s last two games, he was in foul trouble and had 9 points, 9 rebounds and 9 assists.
“Tonight was embarrassing,” said Nuggets coach Michael Malone. “Our effort after that first quarter was inadequate. We didn’t defend at all. One-on-one guarding is not possible at all so far.”
The Nuggets, with a larger lineup, had an early 11-man lead. Gordon’s dunk gave Denver his 53-40 advantage.
Portland is Lillard’s 3-pointer Yusuf Nurkic57-51 late in the first half, but Denver led 61-55 at the break.
Simmons equalized at 64 early in the second half and his 3-pointer put the Blazers ahead 79–70. At timeout, Simmons was celebrated by his teammates. Portland outscored the Nuggets his 44-25 in the third quarter.
“You can’t put a guy in that space in the first place, but some of the shots he was making, the old adage is, you have to shake his hand, pat him on the back and say okay. A shot,” Gordon said.
Simmons said he found himself doing well in the fourth 3.
“I shot one over the keys when I fell and I thought it was one of those nights,” Simmons said. “I shot it blind.”
Portland had a 99–86 lead heading into the final period. Josh HartThe hint extended it to 107-88.
Nurkic has 13 goals and 12 assists.
“Our understanding of what we’re trying to do is getting better and better,” Lillard said. “I think the best thing about it is that it feels sustainable.”
honor
Lillard was named the NBA Western Conference Player of the Week for the week ending Sunday. He averaged 34 points, 5.3 rebounds and 4.3 assists in his first three games for the Blazers this season. He made 12 of his 3-pointers during that span.
high motor
Blazers coach Chauncey Billups said Hart is such a high-level player that he even has to sit him down at practices because “he doesn’t have a switch.” Hart had 6 points and 11 rebounds against the Nuggets.
tip in
Nuggets: Denver beat the Blazers 3-1 in the series last season. … Jokic was sentenced to his fourth foul with his 6:55 left in the third quarter. … Jokic has recorded his 78th triple-double, which puts him on his career list, matching Wilt and his Chamberlain for sixth place. … Michael Porter Jr.Finished with 18 points.
Trail Blazers: Played without Justice Winslow due to right ankle sprain. Billups had indicated before the game that he didn’t look like a long-term injury: “I don’t think so. I hope not,” he said.
next
Nugget: Host los angeles lakers on wednesday.
Trail Blazers: Host miami heat on wednesday.
——
