Slam Dunk Central

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The Portland Trailblazers got a lift from two youngsters - guards Brandon Roy and Jarrett Jack, to be specific.? Roy scored 18 of his 22 points and Jack scored 17 of his 21 points in the second half as Portland won their second consecutive game, beating Memphis 110-98.

During the first half, it looked like the Trailblazers would lose this one.? Memphis forward Pau Gasol made two free throws, giving the Grizzlies a 40-27 lead with 7:33 left in the second quarter.? But Portland went to a double-team on Gasol who wouldn’t attempt a shot until the 4th quarter.? Memphis took a 12-point lead into halftime, but Roy led the Blazers’ rally.

After Portland F Martell Webster drained a 3-pointer, Roy fed center Channing Frye a pass for a layup.? Roy then stole the ball on Memphis’ next possession, making a 3-point play.? Roy then located F/C LaMarcus Aldridge for a 3-point playto cut the Memphis lead to 63-62.? Aldridge gave Portland their first lead since the 1st quarter, scoring a basket to make the score 86-84.? Roy scored twice to make the score 93-85, but Grizzlies F Rody Gay made a 3-pointer right away.

Aldreidge made a jumper, giving Portland a 97-90 lead with 3:11 to go in the game; the lead remained with Portland from that point on.? Portland was missing 4 players in tonight’s contest- F James Jones (knee), rookie F/C Josh McRoberts (left ankle), rookie center Greg Oden (knee - out for season) and F Darius Miles (knee).?

Aldridge led all Portland scorers with 30 points and 10 rebounds, with Roy adding 22 and 8 assists and Jack pouring in 21.? Memphis was led by Gay with 31 points - with 4-for-7 from 3-point range, with Gasol contributing 19 and reserve G Kyle Lowry chipping in 14.? Portland (2-3) hosts?the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday, while Memphis (1-3) flies to Salt Lake City to take on the Utah Jazz at the Salt Palace, also on Saturday.