Lillard's clutch play lifts Blazers past Suns

Rookie Damian Lillard scored a game-high 25 points -- including a critical jump shot in the final minute -- and dished out seven assists as Portland pulled out a 96-93 victory Saturday night at the Rose Garden. It was the fifth straight victory for the Trail Blazers (13-12), who closed out a six-game homestand with a 5-1 mark to push their record above .500 for the first time since they were 2-1 on Nov. 3.

J.J. Hickson collected 19 points and 15 rebounds, LaMarcus Aldridge had 17 points and nine rebounds andNicolas Batum contributed 13 points, nine rebounds and eight assists for the Blazers. Marcin Gortat had 18 points and nine rebounds for Phoenix (11-16), which saw the end to a four-game win streak.