By TENAJH SWEETING

Tribune Sports Reporter

tsweeting@tribunemedia.net

BAHAMIAN big man Deandre Ayton and the Portland Trail Blazers are quietly having a decent season in the Western Conference despite having low expectations coming into the National Basketball Association (NBA) regular season.

The team picked up their fifth straight victory with a 112-89 win over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night at the Moda Centre in Portland, Oregon.

Ayton, who has been on a tear as of late, pitched in eight points, nine rebounds and two steals in over 22 minutes of action. He made 50 per cent of his field goals, shooting 4-for-8 in the contest.

The latest victory helped Portland to improve to 22-29 (win/loss record) in the Western Conference, good enough for a .431 winning percentage.

The Trail Blazers have been putting together a strong showing in their last 10 outings. They have claimed victories in nine out of their last 10 matchups.

Ayton has also played an important role for the Trail Blazers in the frontcourt during this 10-game stretch. He has averaged 15.9 ppg, 10.7 rpg and 1.7 apg while shooting an efficient 57.6 per cent from the field.

For the season the 26-year-old is averaging 14.6 ppg and 10.4 rpg (11th in the league) on 57.2 per cent shooting (11th in the league). Prior to the win against the Pacers, he dropped 25 points and 20 rebounds against his former team the Phoenix Suns in a 121-119 overtime victory at home.

The Blazers had five players hit double-digit scoring numbers against the Pacers on Tuesday night.

Anfernee Simons led the team on the stat sheet with 22 points, seven dimes and three boards in 32 minutes.

Forward Jerami Grant also pitched in 20 points to pair with two rebounds in the ball game.

Portland had all the momentum after extending the lead to 27-18 in the first period. 

Indiana shaved the deficit down to just 38-34 with 2:18 to go until halftime. The Blazers managed to cap off the first half on top 45-38.

The victors once again imposed their will on the game as Ayton nailed a seven footer to push the lead up to 10 (62-52) at almost the halfway mark of the third.

The Bahamian big man responded once again this time with a thunderous jam at the 3:12 mark to put the Blazers ahead by 15 (71-56).

Portland took full control of the game at that point and held on for the victory.

The team collectively shot 44.6 per cent while holding the Pacers to 42 per cent shooting from the field.

The Blazers also won the rebound battle 51-39.

Next up on the schedule for Ayton and the Blazers will be the Sacramento Kings at 7pm tonight at home.