Portland, Oregon — Donovan Mitchell scored 26 points, Ricky Rubio Playing in his first game since a knee injury over a year ago, the Cleveland Cavaliers rallied in the fourth quarter, beating the Portland Trail Blazers 119-113 on Thursday night.
Damien Lillard He scored a season-high 50 points, but it wasn’t enough for the Blazers, who lost five straight.
Jarrett Allen The Cavaliers won their fifth of their last seven games, adding 24 points and 10 rebounds.
“I just kept fighting,” Mitchell said.
Portland led by as much as 14 points early in the game, going into the final quarter with a 91-87 lead.
Lillard’s 3-pointer from the 29-foot put Portland ahead 102-97 with 7:11 remaining, but the Blazers failed to hold on to the lead. Jarrett He closed the gap to 104-103 on Allen’s layup, and with 4:40 remaining, Mitchell’s jumper gave the Cavaliers their first lead of the game.
Anphanie Simmons I scored a 3-point shot and caught up with the tie, but Mitchell and Evan Mobley Making back-to-back baskets, the Cavaliers pulled away.
“We played hard,” said Blazers coach Chauncey Billups. We are proud of our efforts.”
Rubio scored nine in ten minutes, including two 3-pointers in the third quarter. The 32-year-old tore his left anterior cruciate ligament while driving to a basket in New Orleans on Dec. 28, 2021.
“There were a lot of emotions today,” said Rubio. “I’ve worked hard all year for my health, so I’m grateful to be able to play basketball.”
The Cavaliers had him listed as suspect in the pregame injury report, but he came off the bench with 3:38 left in the first quarter.
Lillard appeared to be struggling with ankle pain early in the game. Although he remained in the contest, he appeared to be in pain at times.
Nevertheless, Lillard scored 25 points in the first half and Portland went into the break with a 58-51 lead.
Rubio’s 3-pointer scored the Cavaliers within 74-70 midway through the third quarter. Jerami Grant The Blazers answered 3.
Another Rubio 3-pointer closed the gap to 82-77, with the Cavaliers maintaining a single-digit margin.
“It was a game we deserved to win.
Thursday night saw Lillard score 50 or more in his 15th career game.he joins James Harden When Stephen Curry Only three players have played 10 or more games with 50 points or more in the last 10 seasons.
