LaMarcus Aldridge, Trail Blazers edge Knicks

LaMarcus Aldridge posted his fifth straight double-double and the Portland Trail Blazers kicked off a five-game road trip with a 103-99 win over the New York Knicks.

The Knicks led 97-96 late in the fourth when Aldridge made a pair of free throws to put Portland in front. Aldridge then converted a layup and after Amar'e Stoudemire's dunk had the Knicks within one, he potted a stepback jumper for a 102-99 edge.

Carmelo Anthony and Pablo Prigioni missed jumpers on the next two Knicks touches, and Wesley Matthews split a pair of free throws to seal the contest with 1.7 to play.

Aldridge had 24 points and 11 rebounds, Damian Lillard scored 20 points and Matthews chipped in 18 for the Blazers, winners in four straight and 13 of their last 14.

Anthony's 23-point, 10-rebound effort and J.R. Smith's 20 points off the bench weren't enough for the slumping Knicks, who just can't seem to find the winning formula. Seven of New York's eight consecutive losses have been by seven points or less.

[SportsNetwork.com]