NBA – Matthews helps Blazers defeat Denver

PORTLAND (NBA) - A first career double-double for Wes Matthews helped propel the Portland Trail Blazers to an 86-83 victory over the Denver Nuggets on Thursday night.

Portland, without injured starter Brandon Roy, are getting a lift from Matthews.

He had 20 points and 10 rebounds and also blocked two shots as the Blazers improved to 8-5.

France international Nicolas Batum contributed 14 points, six rebounds, four assists, two steals and a swat and LaMarcus Aldridge had a game-high 24 points.

Portland power forward Marcus Camby finished with a game-high 14 rebounds.

The Indiana Pacers thrashed the Los Angeles Clippers 107-80 with Danny Granger, a reserve in the USA gold-medal winning team at the FIBA World Championship in Turkey back in September, pouring in 22 points.

He also had seven boards, five assists, two steals and two blocks.

Dwight Howard scored 20 points and hauled in 12 rebounds to lead Orlando to a 105-89 victory over Phoenix.

Slovenia point guard Goran Dragic started for the visiting Suns with Steve Nash missing the game due to a groin strain.

Dragic had 10 points, four assists, four rebounds and a steal.

Phoenix's Turkey international Hedo Turkoglu, who made the all-tournament team at the World Championship after leading his country to a silver medal, missed all eight of his shots from the field against his former team.

He finished with just two points.

FIBA