Blazers edge Spurs in Aldridge’s return
SAN ANTONIO — Damian Lillard scored 36 points, and Portland defeated San Antonio 110-106 on Wednesday night to spoil LaMarcus Aldridge’s return from a health scare.
Aldridge had 19 points and seven rebounds after missing two games with a minor heart arrhythmia. He was cleared Wednesday morning and does not have any playing restrictions.
Kawhi Leonard had 34 points to lead San Antonio (52-15), which had won 11 of 12 entering the game but fell one game behind Golden State for the league’s best record.
Trailing 104-97 with 1:45 remaining, San Antonio closed within two points as Aldridge scored five consecutive points on a layup and a powerful dunk that led to a three-point play. After Leonard missed a short runner, McCollum made a pair of free throws to end San Antonio’s streak and give Portland a 106-102 lead.
Patty Mills then hit a 3-pointer from the right corner off a feed from Leonard, but Lillard made four straight free throws to seal the victory for Portland.
Aldridge finished 9-for-24 from the field and played 32 minutes, drawing loud cheers from the soldout crowd.
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