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PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — Donovan Mitchell scored 26 points while Ricky Rubio made his first appearance since suffering a knee injury over a year ago. thursday night.

Damian Lillard had a season-high 50 points, but it wasn’t enough for the Blazers, who lost five straight.

Jarrett Allen had 24 points and 10 rebounds as the Cavaliers won their fifth of their last seven games.

Portland led by as much as 14 points early in the game, going into the final quarter with a 91-87 lead.

Lillard’s 3-pointer from the 29-foot put Portland ahead 102-97 with 7:11 remaining, but the Blazers failed to hold on to the lead. Jarrett He closed the gap to 104-103 on Allen’s layup, and with 4:40 remaining, Mitchell’s jumper gave the Cavaliers their first lead of the game.

Anfernie Simmons equalized with a three-pointer, but back-to-back goals from Mitchell and Evan Mobley pulled the Cavaliers back.

Rubio scored nine goals in ten minutes. The 32-year-old tore his left anterior cruciate ligament on December 28, 2021 in New Orleans en route to a basket. Before the injury, he was averaging 13.1 points and his 6.6 assists in 34 games last season.

The Cavaliers had him listed as suspect in the pregame injury report, but he came off the bench with 3:38 left in the first quarter.

“Honestly, I don’t think I’ve ever been around a guy who has the spirit of Ricky and whose teammates just want to be there and be a part of it. It’s very unique,” said the Cavaliers. coach, BJ Bickerstaff, said before the game. “There is no selfish bone in his body. Everything he does is only to help others.”

Lillard appeared to be struggling with ankle pain early in the game. Although he remained in the contest, he appeared to be in pain at times.

Nevertheless, Lillard scored 25 points in the first half and Portland went into the break with a 58-51 lead.

Rubio’s 3-pointer scored the Cavaliers within 74-70 midway through the third quarter. Jerami Grant answered with a 3 for the Blazers.

Another Rubio 3-pointer closed the gap to 82-77, with the Cavaliers maintaining a single-digit margin.

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Cavaliers: It was their second and final matchup with the Blazers of the season. Cleveland beat Portland earlier this season, he beat Portland 114-96.

Trail Blazers: The team has announced that Nasir Little is in on-court contact activity after suffering a hip injury in December, but has no plans to return. Justice Winslow continues to recover from his left ankle sprain, but will miss at least his next two weeks. … Lillard has scored 25 or more in the first half in four games this season.

Cavaliers: Visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on Saturday night.

Trail Blazers: We’re hosting the Dallas Mavericks on Saturday night.

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AP NBA: https://apnews.com/hub/nba and https://twitter.com/AP_Sports

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