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Blazers lose to Pistons, fall to 0-2 on trip
DETROIT Even LaMarcus Aldridges return wasnt enough to propel the Trail Blazers to victory Monday night at the Palace of Auburn Hills.
Brandon Knight scored 26 points as Detroit won 108-101 to hand Portland (6-8) its second straight loss to begin its seven-game road trip.
Knight led seven players in double figures for the Pistons (4-11), including Greg Monroe, who had 20 points and 10 rebounds, and Kyle Singler, whose monster game included 16 points, 10 rebounds and five assists. The 6-8 rookie from South Medford High made 6 of 7 shots from the field, including 3 of 3 from 3-point range, in his fourth straight game as a starter at shooting guard.
Aldridge, who missed Sundays loss at Brooklyn with a sore back, scored a season-high 32 points, had 10 rebounds, three steals and three blocked shots in a terrific 41-minute performance. The all-star forward didnt have enough help, though, as the Blazers shot only .424 from the field, including 6 for 19 on 3-point attempts.
Portland fell into its usual early hole, trailing 15-6 seven minutes into the game, 28-19 after one quarter and 54-49 at the half. The Blazers were behind 57-54 early in the third quarter before a drought of more than four minutes turned into an 8-0 Detroit run and a 65-54 lead. The visitors never got closer than four the rest of the way.
NOTES Portlands next stop on the trip is Wednesday at Washington. The Wizards are 0-12. ... Wesley Matthews had 19 points for Portland ... rookie point guard Damian Lillard missed his first 12 shots from the field, finishing with 12 points on 4-for-18 shooting. ... Nicolas Batum collected seven points and 10 rebounds but made only 2 of 9 shots from the field. ... Guard Will Barton came off the bench for a season-high 12 points on 5-for-8 shooting and fellow rookie Meyers Leonard made 3 of 4 shots and had eight points, four rebounds and three blocks. Each played 21 minutes. ... Detroit shot .525 from the field, including 9 for 15 from 3-point range.