BA -- Aldridge scores 44 as Blazers down Nuggets, 110-105

CHICAGO -- Left out as a starter in this coming All-Star Game, power forward LaMarcus Aldridge exploded for 44 points Thursday night to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to a 110-105 victory over the Denver Nuggets at the Moda Center.

But the sweet-shooter insisted that the scoring outburst had nothing to do with the perceived snub and told NBA.com, " It's nothing about that. We had just lost two games. We just needed this one."

Aldridge made 15 of 29 field goals and 14 of 17 free throws and the Blazers improved to 32-11 and No.3 overall in the Western Conference behind the 33-10 Oklahoma City Thunder and the 32-10 San Antonio Spurs.

As spectacular as Aldridge played, he needed ample support from his teammates to hold off the Nuggets, who dropped to 20-21 despite leading by as many as 15 points.

Wesley Matthews added 24 points while Robin Lopez finished with 12 and nine rebounds. Point guard Damian Lillard chipped in 11 for Portland.

Wilson Chander scored 18 for the Nuggets. Randy Foye had 14 and Ty Lawson contributed 13 points and 11 helpers. (Homer D. Sayson)

Photo: Blazers All-Star LaMarcus Aldridge was too much for the Nuggets, scoring 44 in Portland's win Thursday night.