NBA: Portland 96, New Jersey 89

PORTLAND, Ore., Jan. 16 (UPI) -- The Portland Trail Blazers, sparked by LaMarcus Aldridge's 27 points, pulled away late Saturday and downed the New Jersey Nets 96-89.

Aldridge's performance, which included nine rebounds and five assists, was complemented by Nicolas Batum's season-high 23 points and six rebounds and Andre Miller's 19 points and eight assists. Wesley Matthews contributed 10 points and six boards in the Blazers' first win in four outings.

Brook Lopez led the Nets with 32 points. New Jersey, which has lost five in a row, also got double-figure scoring from Sasha Vujacic and Travis Outlaw.