Rookie Scoot Henderson returned from an eight-game absence on Saturday and helped the Portland Trail Blazers defeat the Toronto Raptors in overtime at the Moda Center.
Henderson produced 13 points, five assists, one rebound and one steal in the 128-118 victory. He went 5-of-12 from the field, including 1-of-4 from 3-point range, off the bench as the Trail Blazers snapped 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 continued a streak of seven consecutive games in double figures.
Trail Blazers coach Chauncey Billups liked what he saw in his return.
“I was happy for Scoot because he hasn’t been able to actually play basketball,” Billups said. “He has been able to work out; those are two different things. His fire was awesome. His passion was really good. His pace was really, really good. His defense was good. He was physical. I thought Scoot was really good.”
Henderson, who logged 26 minutes, had been sidelined since Feb. 23 with a left adductor strain. He wasn’t able to practice with the team and only recently started doing on-court work and other related activities.
The 20-year-old is averaging 12.9 points, 4.7 assists and 2.9 rebounds on 37.6% shooting from the field in 44 games with the Trail Blazers. He is fifth among rookies in scoring and one of six first-year players with multiple 30-point games (2).
Billups named Henderson the starting point guard prior to his injury setback. With 19 games remaining, the team may look to ease him back before inserting him into the starting lineup again to ensure he can finish the season on a high note.
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