The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the host Denver Nuggets, 123-109, in Game 1 of the Western Conference First-Round Playoffs at Ball Arena on Saturday.

While this was a 105-103 game with five minutes remaining, Portland finished on an 18-6 run to grab Game 1. With that said, there were 10 ties in the first three quarters, with neither team ever leading by more than nine points. A 38-25 third quarter really set the tone for Portland, holding the lead for the entirety of the fourth quarter. The Trail Blazers shot 19-of-40 from three-point range while the Nuggets hit just 11-of-36. Portland also went 18-of-19 from the free-throw line while Denver hit 4-of-8. The Trail Blazers also out-assisted the Nuggets. 29-22.

The Trail Blazers (1-0) were led by Damian Lillard and his 34 points, two rebounds and 13 assists. C.J. McCollum generated 21 points, six rebounds and three assists. Jusuf Nurkic collected 16 points, 12 rebounds and five assists. Carmelo Anthony led the bench with 18 points and three rebounds. Norman Powell also provided 10 points, three rebounds and four assists.

The Nuggets (0-1) were led by Nikola Jokic, tallying 34 points, 15 rebounds and one assist on 14-of-27 from the field. Michael Porter Jr amassed 25 points, nine rebounds and two blocks. Aaron Gordon had 16 points and eight rebounds. Monte Morris led the bench with 10 points, two rebounds and five assists. No other player had more than eight points or five assists.

Game 2 will be in Denver on Monday.