NBA: Lillard's big 3rd quarter leads Blazers to easy win over Grizzlies

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (right) passes the ball to teammate Noah Vonleh during the game against the Memphis Grizzlies on Nov 5, 2015. PHOTO: AFP/GETTY IMAGES

(REUTERS) - Damian Lillard's 14 third-quarter points were the impetus for the Portland Trail Blazers' 115-96 romp past the Memphis Grizzlies at the Moda Centre.

He scored a game-high 27 points, raining in seven of 11 shots from beyond the arc, while CJ McCollum added 20 points as the Trail Blazers (4-2) won their third consecutive National Basketball Association game.

Courtney Lee led Memphis (3-3) with 18 points, while Zach Randolph contributed 16 points and 10 rebounds, and Marc Gasol added 15 points.

Portland outscored Memphis 40-25 in the third quarter to turn a tight game into a rout. Overall, the Blazers shot 50.6 per cent from the field, sank 15 of 30 shots from three-point range and outrebounded the Grizzlies 47-36.

Trailing by four points at half, Memphis got even at 62-62 midway through the third quarter. Lillard then buried long three-pointers to start and finish a 12-1 run that pushed Portland ahead 74-63.

The Blazers' advantage was 88-69 after another pair of Lillard bombs from beyond the arc, and forward Ed Davis' runner at the buzzer took Portland into the fourth quarter with a 90-71 edge.

When Lillard knocked down his sixth three-pointer of the game to give the Blazers a 95-71 lead, it was over.

Memphis ended the first quarter on a 6-0 run to take a 23-18 lead into the second period. Lillard and McCollum were a combined 1-for-9 shooting in the quarter.

Lillard and McCollum hit back-to-back three-pointers and Plumley had a follow dunk in an 8-0 run that carried Portland into half-time leading 50-46. Lee had 12 points for the Grizzlies at the break.

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