Dame Scores 22 Points In Return, Blazers Beat Wizards 125-104

PORTLAND, Ore. [AP] — Damian Lillard had 22 points in his return from a groin injury and Carmelo Anthony scored 25 as the Portland Trail Blazers beat the Washington Wizards 125-104 on Wednesday night.

“I felt pretty good,” Lillard said. “I moved pretty well, I was able to do a lot of things. I didn’t want to overdo it when I saw the kind of game we were playing — the balance was good. We had a comfortable lead, I picked my moments to explode, take off and cut hard. Get in the stance and fight over screens, and I didn’t feel restricted.”

Hassan Whiteside recorded his 48th double-double of the season for Portland, finishing with 24 points, 16 rebounds and four blocks. CJ McCollum, like Lillard, had 22 points and five assists.

It was Lillard’s first game in three weeks after missing six with a groin strain.