PORTLAND — Scoot Henderson, the No. 3 pick in this year’s NBA draft, finished with seven points and six assists in a debut start and Portland cruised past the New Zealand Breakers 106-66 in the Blazers’ preseason opener on Tuesday.
Henderson made 3 of 6 shots with a 3-pointer, playing 19 minutes. Kris Murray, the 23rd overall pick, scored three points with five rebounds in 18 minutes. Anfernee Simons scored all 14 of his points in the first half to lead Portland to a 48-39 lead.
Rayan Rupert, the Blazers’ second-round selection this year playing for the Breakers, scored seven points in 21 minutes off the bench.
Portland next hosts Phoenix on Thursday.
BLAZERS GAME STATS
Grant 0-3 0-0 0, Thybulle 3-4 0-0 8, Ayton 4-10 0-0 8, Henderson 3-6 0-0 7, Simons 4-7 3-5 14, Camara 5-6 1-1 13, Knox II 2-4 0-0 5, Minaya 0-1 2-2 2, Murray 1-3 0-0 3, Walker 1-5 6-6 8, Brown 3-3 0-1 6, Reath 4-9 4-4 12, Brogdon 0-2 2-2 2, Mays 3-4 0-0 6, Rupert 3-6 1-2 7, Sharpe 1-5 3-4 5. Totals 37-78 22-27 106.
New Zealand 23 16 11 16 — 66
Portland 23 25 20 38 — 106
3-Point Goals—New Zealand 6-38, Portland 10-23 (Simons 3-4, Camara 2-3, Thybulle 2-3, Knox II 1-1, Henderson 1-2, Murray 1-3, Grant 0-1, Rupert 0-1, Walker 0-1, Reath 0-2, Sharpe 0-2). Rebounds—New Zealand 40, Portland 54 (Brown 8). Assists—New Zealand 14, Portland 26 (Henderson 6). Total Fouls—New Zealand 24, Portland 18. A—12,694 (19,393)
