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Blazers crush Timberwolves

Apr 9, 2015 - 5:58 AM Portland, OR (SportsNetwork.com) - LaMarcus Aldridge spearheaded the charge with 24 points and 13 boards as the Portland Trail Blazers dispatched the Minnesota Timberwolves, 116-91, at Moda Center on Wednesday.

Robin Lopez tallied 18 points and Damian Lillard finished with 17 points and six assists for Portland, which had lost its last two meetings with Minnesota. The victory was the third in four games for the Blazers.

"Our guys came into the game locked in. We understand that we want to win every game from here out," Aldridge said.

Andrew Wiggins poured in 29 points on 9-of-22 efficiency from the field for Minnesota. Kevin Martin also struggled from the floor, sinking only 5-of-15 tries for 17 points. Zach LaVine supplied 18 points and six assists as the Timberwolves suffered their eighth loss in a row, which is the longest current streak in the NBA.

"We just try and compete. They are a great team," said Wiggins.

Portland began the contest on a 12-3 run and never looked back. Aldridge scored 15 points and pulled down seven rebounds in the opening 12 minutes to help the Blazers to a 29-19 lead. Minnesota converted only 38.1 percent of its shots from the floor in the quarter.

The Wolves continued to struggle in the second period, where they were limited to 26.1 percent shooting from the field. Portland went into the break on top 55-36.

Minnesota trailed by 20 points or more for the final 19:20 of regulation.

Portland converted 17-of-19 attempts at the free-throw line and Lopez netted 14 points in the second half.

Game Notes

Blazers guard C.J. McCollum scored 13 points to extend his streak of double-digit scoring outings to five ... Chase Budinger led Minnesota's reserves with 12 points ... The T-wolves will conclude their road trip with matchups against the Los Angeles Lakers and Golden State Warriors.