Trail Blazers lead to quit to run Indiana, 112-89

Portland, Ore. (Katu) – Portland was never challenged on Tuesday night on the way to a 112-89 home victory over Indiana Pacers.

Blazers saw Anfeee Simons bury a 3-pointer on the team’s first trip down the floor, and Portland quickly drove to a 9-2 lead.

Pacers closed it for a one-point game early in the second half, but Portland responded with an 11-point run and never looked back.

Deni Avdija hit a 3-pointer during the race, and Shaedon Sharpe had a few cans as Portland grew his lead back to 64-52.

Portland caused five players to reach double in points, led by Simons with 22 and Jerami Grant by 20.

The Blazers defense dominated the night and held Indiana to only 5-of-24 (20.8%) shooting from the 3-point range of Pacers about 10 shots below their average for the season.

“They are a big-time offensive team, but we made a lot of extra efforts to keep them away from the 3-point line,” said Portland coach Chauncey Billups. “If we protected the first eight seconds (in the shot), I thought we could a good chance, and we probably did 75% of the time.”

Portland also transitioned Pacers by 12 and forced Indiana to 19 revenue.

Portland (22-29) has won 9 of its last 10 games and has a league-best five-game victory. Blazers continue their home level at 1 p.m. 19 Thursday against Sacramento.