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Ellis helps Warriors rally to beat Blazers

Dec 26, 2010 - 7:41 AM Oakland, CA (Sports Network) - Monta Ellis scored 39 points and David Lee added 21 to help Golden State rally for a 109-102 win over the Portland Trail Blazers.

A layup from LaMarcus Aldridge expanded Portland's lead to 97-91 with just over five minutes left, but the Warriors responded with a dominating 16-2 burst. Ellis had half of those points, as Golden State won its second in a row for the first time since November 8 and 10 against Toronto and New York.

Dorell Wright had 16 points and eight rebounds, and played a key role in Golden State's comeback. The Warriors won despite a 2-for-15 shooting performance from Stephen Curry, who was held to four points, but he did have a season-best 11 assists. Curry had missed the last six games with a sprained right ankle.

"Once we get our whole team back it's going to be different," Ellis said. "We just have to hold it down until we get some key players back. Steph came back today, hopefully Andris (Biedrins) will come back on the road trip. We're going to turn it around."

Wesley Matthews poured in 25 points for Portland, which had a three-game winning streak broken. Andre Miller posted 12 points and 15 assists in defeat. Nicolas Batum tallied 18 points and 10 boards.

Ellis was fouled by Matthews on a three-point try and sank all the shots from the charity stripe, drawing the hosts within three. Wright then drained a step-back three-ball, tying the game at 97 with 3 1/2 minutes left.

Wright continued his stellar play, stealing a Rudy Fernandez pass and coasting the other way for the go-ahead slam. Reggie Williams then pulled up and drilled a three-pointer for a 102-97 difference with 2:38 left.

With momentum firmly on their side, the Warriors were able to use Ellis' 6-of-7 effort at the foul line in the last quarter to seal the victory. Portland went 8-of-26 from the field in the fourth.

The Blazers were within 102-99 after a pair of Matthews foul shots, but Ellis stemmed the tide by sinking a jumper and then came up with a steal and breakaway layup with 64 seconds remaining.

"He's very aggressive, he can flat out score," Trail Blazers head coach Nate McMillan said of Ellis. "He's fearless going to the basket. When he has his jump shot going, it's very tough to defend him."

Aldridge had eight points in the first quarter, helping his team to a 28-25 edge after 12 minutes. Ellis came alive by scoring 18 in the second, but the Blazers still led, 57-56, at the half.

An 11-1 burst by Golden State gave the hosts a 67-60 lead. Portland led 80-78 going to the fourth.

Game Notes

The Warriors tied season-highs with eight blocks and a 90.5 percentage on free throws (19-of-21)...The Blazers had a season-best 53 rebounds...Portland has lost 11 of its last 14 in Oakland...Marcus Camby had 13 rebounds for the Blazers...The Warriors host Philadelphia Monday before heading on a five-game road swing...The Blazers started a string of playing six of eight away games.