Beginner Scoot Henderson returned from an eight-game absence Saturday and helped the Portland Trail Blazers defeat the Toronto Raptors working overtime at the Moda Center.
Henderson produced 13 points, five assists, one rebound and one steal in the 128-118 victory. He made 5 of 12 from the field, including 1 of 4 from 3-point range, coming off the bench as the Trail Blazers ended a three-game losing streak.
The third pick scored 11 points in the first half to help the Trail Blazers get off to a quick start in the contest. He went on a seven-game double-digit game streak.
Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups liked what he saw upon his return.
“I was happy for Scoot because he didn’t get to play basketball,” Billups said. “He managed to train; those are two different things. His fire was awesome. His passion was really good. His pace was really good. His defense was good. He was physical. I thought Scoot was really good.
Henderson, who played 26 minutes, had been out since Feb. 23 with left adductor strain. He hasn’t been able to practice with the team, as Billups mentioned, and has only recently started working on the field and other related activities.
The 20-year-old is averaging 12.9 points, 4.7 assists and 2.9 rebounds on 37.6 percent shooting from the field in 44 games with the Trail Blazers. He is fifth among rookies in points and one of six first-year players with several 30-point games (2).
Billups named Henderson the starting point guard before suffering his latest setback. With 19 games remaining, the team could look to relieve him before inserting him back into the starting lineup to ensure he can finish his season on a high note.
