PORTLAND, Ore., March 14 (UPI) -- Steve Blake gave Portland the lead for good with 2:39 to play Friday night and the Trail Blazers pulled away for a 109-100 victory over New Jersey.
The Nets fell to 0-2 on their five-game road trip and remained a half game behind Milwaukee and Chicago in the race for the final playoff berth in the Eastern Conference.
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After Blake put Portland in front by hitting a 3-pointer, Travis Outlaw hit two foul shots to give the Trail Blazers a four-point cushion with 1:54 left.
Portland bounced back from its first home loss in 13 games, a four-point setback Wednesday against Dallas.
Brandon Roy scored 31 to lead the Trail Blazers, who made 39-of-45 free throw attempts.
Devin Harris had 27 for the Nets.
