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Azubuike, Warriors race past Blazers

Oct 9, 2008 - 5:43 AM PORTLAND, Oregon (Ticker) -- Even without Baron Davis, the up-tempo offense of the Golden State Warriors looks as strong as ever.

Kelenna Azubuike scored 18 points to lead the Warriors to a 110-95 victory over the Portland Trail Blazers on Wednesday.

Greg Oden delivered another strong effort with 14 points and nine rebounds, but the Blazers shot just 37 percent from the field and were unable to capitalize on 20 offensive rebounds.

Warriors Coach Don Nelson, who is considered the inventor of Hack-a-Shaq - the strategy that called for constantly fouling Shaquille O'Neal - used the same technique against Oden tonight, calling double teams early on and sending Oden to the line on three occasions.

Brandon Wright was 6-of-10 from the field and finished with 16 points and five rebounds. Corey Maggette netted 15, and DeMarcus Nelson led the Warriors' rookies with eight points.

The Warriors lead by as many as 10 points in the third quarter, but two quick turnovers helped spark an 15-3 run for the Blazers. The teams exchanged leads in the fourth quarter, but the Warriors eventually pulled away on the strength of Azubuike, whose points came mostly in the final 12 minutes.

Rudy Fernandez, who led the Blazers with 15 points and seven assists, limped off the court in the fourth quarter after injuring his left ankle.

Portland's Brandon Roy, who played 23 minutes in last night's game against the Sacramento Kings, sat tonight's game as he continues to recover from his off-season knee surgery. Martel Webster was also absent with a stress fracture in his left foot.