THE Indiana Pacers got a boost from their leader as they squeaked past the Portland Trail Blazers, 91-88, in their first scrimmage on Friday, Manila time in Disney, Orlando ahead of the NBA’s official return on July 30, US time.
In doubt for the restart owing to concerns over his knee, Victor Oladipo suited up and even started to give the Pacers a lift, contributing eight points and six rebounds in19 minutes in their close win against the Blazers.
Justin Holiday showed the way with 16 points off the bench, while Malcolm Brogdon and TJ Warren added 11 points apiece for the Pacers, who had to fend off late rally before securing the victory.
Mario Hezonja led the Blazers with 15 points, four rebounds, two assists, and two steals, while Damian Lillard added seven assists and four points in 20 minutes in a losing effort.
The Pacers saw their 12-point lead cut to just three points, 91-88, with 13 seconds left, but survived after Jaylen Hoard’s three-point try in the waning seconds missed the mark.
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