The AP reports: Jerryd Bayless got a chance to play with point guard Steve Blake sidelined with a separated shoulder and the Portland Trail Blazers’ rookie took advantage against the New Jersey Nets. Bayless scored a career-high 23 points and seemingly took the life out of the Nets with a monster dunk that he converted in a late three-point play in Portland’s 105-99 victory on Thursday night… Bayless was 6-for-9 from the field, with most coming on tough drives down the lane. He also was perfect on 11 free throws… “It was crazy,” said Brandon Roy, who led Portland with 29 points… LaMarcus Aldridge added 20 points and Travis Outlaw scored all 13 of his points in the second half, when the Trail Blazers rallied from an 11-point deficit. Devin Harris had 23 points and eight assists to lead New Jersey, who surrendered 37 fourth-quarter points as Portland hit 13 of 19 shots. Rookie Brook Lopez added 17 points, Bobby Simmons 14 and Vince Carter 13 while playing with a slightly sprained ankle.
