Gallinari Scores 27 as Nuggets Beat Trail Blazers 132-120

DENVER (AP) —Danilo Gallinari scored 20 of his 27 points in the first half and the Denver Nuggets led big early before holding on late to beat the Portland Trail Blazers 132-120 Thursday night.

Gary Harris scored 18 in his return to the Nuggets' lineup. It was Denver's second win in the last 15 games against the Trail Blazers, who got 40 points and 10 assists from Damian Lillard.

CJ McCollum scored 23 for Portland, which has lost five of six.

The Nuggets snapped a three-game skid at Pepsi Center, where they are 4-7 this season. One of those defeats came in their home opener against Portland when they blew a late lead and lost in overtime.