Portland Trail Blazers guard Jerryd Bayless’ time has arrived after more than a year of waiting.

Bayless poured in a career- and game-high 29 points while leading Portland to a 105-102 victory over the Phoenix Suns on Thursday evening at the Rose Garden before a sold-out crowd of 20,559, playing with an energetic, scrappy style that is just what the injury-depleted Blazers require.

Portland coach Nate McMillan said, “What can you say? I thought he had a great game. Jerryd can put some points on the board. And with all the guys that we have out, we need that. He’s getting opportunity to play, and he’s taking advantage of it.”

Brandon Roy scored 27 points and grabbed eight rebounds to help guide the Blazers (16-11), while LaMarcus Aldridge and Martell Webster added 15 points apiece.

Amar’e Stoudemire topped the Suns (17-9) with 27 points and a game-high 11 rebounds with his dominating interior moves that, at times, left the Blazers looking empty and powerless. Grant Hill added 20 points, while former Blazer Channing Frye recorded 17.

(article source: The Columbian, photo source: The Villanovan)