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Matthews' big night lifts Blazers over T-Wolves

Jan 8, 2011 - 4:32 AM Minneapolis, MN (Sports Network) - Wesley Matthews connected on 10-of-18 shots, including 7-of-10 from three-point territory, en route to a career-high 36 points as Portland continued its dominance over Minnesota with a 108-98 win at Target Center.

LaMarcus Aldridge supplied 28 points, 10 rebounds and four assists while Andre Miller contributed 16 points and 10 assists for the Trail Blazers, who have won 14 straight over the Timberwolves.

Kevin Love put together his 32nd double-double of the season with 30 points and 19 boards while Michael Beasley chipped in with 17 points and four assists for the Wolves, who have lost three in a row and four of five.

Matthews made all six of his shots, five from long distance, for 19 points as the Blazers took a 37-27 lead after the first quarter. The visitors knocked down 13-of-21, including 6-of-9 from three-point territory, in the first 12 minutes.

"We were just taking what they gave us...I was moving without the ball and finding open spots. We were finding each other tonight," Matthews said. "It felt good. I was in a rhythm."

Matthews added 10 more in the second quarter, hitting two more triples, as Portland took a 63-43 lead at the break. Love had his 23rd consecutive double- double by the half, totaling 15 points and 10 caroms.

Minnesota clawed back to within 14 twice in the third quarter but entered the final stanza trailing 88-72.

Love's three-point play cut the deficit to 96-86 with 3:43 to play in the game before Aldridge scored two buckets to push the lead back to 14.

Minnesota wouldn't go away, as Love stroked a three to trim the lead to 102-93 with 1:34 remaining. Two Aldridge foul shots 30 ticks later made it an 11- point cushion and quieted any further comeback attempt.

"You have to put your foot down and let people know this is your home court, and we didn't do that tonight," Timberwolves point guard Luke Ridnour said.

Game Notes

Matthews set a franchise record with his seven first-half three-pointers, eclipsing the six knocked down by Cliff Robinson on March 28, 1997 against Vancouver...He made all nine of his foul shots as the Blazers went 19-of-22 from the line...Miller's eighth assist was the 6,727th of his career, moving him past Muggsy Bogues into 16th place on the all-time list...Patrick Mills added 10 points off the bench in the win...Blazers guard Rudy Fernandez left the game with stomach pains and did not return after scoring three points...Portland's last loss to Minnesota came on March 25, 2007...Love made 10-of-15 from the floor, including 3-of-4 from long distance...Minnesota made half of its 16 tries from three-point territory...Ridnour added 10 points and 11 assists for the Wolves, who also got 10 points off the bench from Corey Brewer and Anthony Tolliver.