Portland Trail Blazers increase lead after battling win over Toronto Raptors in overtime
Last Updated: 31/12/14 10:25am
Portland Trail Blazers extended their lead in the Northwest Division with a 102-97 overtime win over Toronto Raptors.
Damian Lillard had 26 points and nine assists, while LaMarcus Aldridge added 23 points and 13 rebounds for the Trail Blazers, who secured their fourth straight victory.
Portland fought back from a 13-point deficit in the fourth quarter, but a late basket from Toronto sent the game into overtime.
The hosts regained control during the added minutes, sealing victory with three straight three pointers and they now lead the division by double digits.
But the Raptors saw their Eastern Conference advantage trimmed to half a game over Atlanta, despite the efforts of Kyle Lowry, who produced 24 points - they lead the Atlantic Division by eight-and-a-half games.
The Hawks were grateful to Paul Millsap as they held off a Cleveland comeback during a 109-101 victory.
Cleveland, who were without the injured LeBron James, reduced the deficit to three points, but Millsap scored Atlanta's next eight points to propel them towards victory
In Chicago, Brook Lopez scored a season-high 29 points as the Brooklyn Nets claimed a 96-82 road win, ending a seven-game winning streak for the Bulls.
Jodie Meeks had one of the games of his life as he poured in nine three-pointers for the Detroit Pistons in their 109-86 win over the Orlando Magic. He finished with 34 points in 27 minutes off the bench.
And Marreese Speights made the most of a rare start with 23 points, four rebounds, four assists and four blocks as the Golden State Warriors routed the Philadelphia 76ers 126-86. The 76ers will end the calendar year rock bottom of the NBA with a 4-26 record.