Damian Lillard scores 33 in shootout with Miami Heat

Portland rookie Damian Lillard bounced back from a dreadful 1-of-16 performance with 33 points. It wasn't enough to top the Miami Heat; the Blazers fell 117-104.

Lillard hit 10-of-18 shots and 10-of-11 free throws in a stellar shooting night. He filled out his line with three 3-pointers, a rebound and three assists in 39 minutes.

LaMarcus Aldridge chipped in 29 points (13-of-20 shots), five rebounds and an assist.

Nicolas Batum and J.J. Hickson were both quiet. Batum, who has struggled with a wrist injury, scored just five points to go with two rebounds and four assists in 39 minutes.

Hickson played just 13 minutes and ended the night with five points. No mention of an injury. He did have three fouls, so maybe he was simply benched.

Wesley Matthews scored 20 (8-of-13 shots), including three 3-pointers. He's streaky, but he's had four good games (and two bad) in February.

Photo: nikk_la.