CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Anfernee Simons scored 17 of his 27 points in the second half, Jerami Grant added 22 points and the Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Charlotte Hornets 102-97 on Friday night for their fourth straight win.
Deni Avdija had 18 points and Dononvan Clingan added 13 rebounds as the Blazers outscored the Hornets 29-22 in the fourth quarter.
Nick Smith Jr. had 17 points and Josh Okogie added 16 points and 10 rebounds to lead the Hornets, who lacked scoring power without LaMelo Ball, Miles Bridges and Brandon Miller.
The Hornets led 75-73 entering the fourth quarter, but the Blazers quickly took control. After Portland corralled two offensive rebounds on the same possession, Simons buried a 3 to give the Blazers the lead for good with 7 1/2 minutes to play, sparking a 7-0 run. The Blazers never trailed again.