Denver Nuggets centre Kosta Koufos (R) looks to pass as Portland Trail Blazers power forward Joel Freeland (L) defends during first quarter of their NBA basketball game in Portland, Oregon, December 20, 2012. (REUTERS)
Nicolas Batum poured in a game-high 22 points on Thursday, as the Portland Trail Blazers took advantage of a woeful shooting night from the Denver Nuggets to take a 101-93 victory at the Rose Garden.
With starting center LaMarcus Aldridge sidelined with a left ankle injury, J.J. Hickson carried the load down low with 18 points and 18 rebounds, while Wesley Matthews donated 20 points for the Blazers, who have won four straight games for the first time since March 2-8, 2011.
