By Caleb Hersch:
Posted at 7:45 pm, January 14

A quick start created a lead that lasted the entire game as the Trail Blazers beat the Nets 99-73.

LaMarcus Aldridge led the way for the Trail Blazers with 20 points on 9-of-18 shooting from the field. Aldridge added seven rebounds in the 18th win in 20 games for Portland.

This win moves the Trail Blazers back into first place of the Northwest Division, just half of a game ahead of the Denver Nuggets.

With a balanced attack, the Trail Blazers dominated the Nets just one day after a heartbreaking double-overtime loss in Toronto. Including Aldridge, five Trail Blazers scored in double-figures.

Brandon Roy scored 16 points on just 10 shot attempts, James Jones scored 10 points, including three makes from beyond the arc, Jarrett Jack led the Trail Blazers with seven assists and also scored 15 points, and Travis Outlaw scored 13 points.

Roy emphasized the importance of getting back on the winning track after the game.

"This was a big win for us because we are coming off a double overtime loss," Roy said. "Emotionally we were upset at that game. To come back today and win was huge for us especially going to Boston. We wanted to come out and be aggressive."

Joel Przybilla grabbed a team-high 12 rebounds and also added nine points, nearly earning what would have been the game's only double-double.

The Trail Blazers' return to the win column coincided with the return of Steve Blake to the point guard position. Blake injured his left calf in Wednesday's win against Golden State and missed yesterday's game at Toronto. Blake had five points and five assists in his return to action.

Malik Allen led the Nets with 17 points and eight rebounds. The Nets' trio of Richard Jefferson, Vince Carter and Jason Kidd combined for just 29 points and 11 rebounds.

The Trail Blazers' next game is in Boston on Wednesday. They will take on the Celtics, owners of the NBA's best record at 30-6.

The game is at 7:30 p.m. PST and will be broadcast on CSN. As always, the game can be heard on 750am KXL.

Boxscore | Video Highlights