Aldridge powers Blazers to 2-0 season start

A night after scoring 25 points, LaMarcus Aldridge had 24 points and eight rebounds to lead the Portland Trail Blazers past Sacramento 101-79 at the Rose Garden.

Gerald Wallace had 25 points, eight rebounds, five assists and blocked two shots as the Blazers improved to 2-0 heading for a home game with Denver Friday.

Portland trailed 44-32 with four minutes left in the second quarter, but finished the half on a 14-2 run and closed the game with a 31-14 run.

The Blazers made just 3 of 18 three-point attempts, but still managed to shoot 44 percent (38 of 85) from the field and had a 25-11 edge in assists.

ALDRIDGE LEADS BLAZERS TO WIN IN SEASON OPENER

Portland opened the 2011-12 season with a near-blowout, 107-103 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers Monday at the Rose Garden.

LaMarcus Aldridge scored a game-high 25 points and Gerald Wallace added 21 to lead the Blazers, who saw a 16-point lead in the fourth quarter dwindle to two in the final minute.

Portland got 13 rebounds and six assists from Marcus Camby and outscored Philadelphia 28-15 in points off turnovers.

The Blazers play host to Sacramento, which upset the Los Angeles Lakers Monday, Tuesday night.