Trail Blazers 100, Timberwolves 98: LaMarcus Aldridge scored 25 points and Portland survived a near-collapse to begin a six-game road trip in winning fashion.

The Trail Blazers saw a 13-point lead shrink to one over the final four minutes, but dodged a big bullet when Dante Cunningham missed a shot at the buzzer after Aldridge missed two free throws that would have iced it.

Aldridge had a double-double by halftime and finished with 13 rebounds. Wesley Matthews returned from a two-game layoff with an ankle injury to score 16 of his 22 points in the first half for Portland. Cunningham came off the bench to lead Minnesota with 23 points.

Matthews' free throws with 4:33 left made it 93-80. Cunningham would score eight straight Timberwolves points in the next two minutes and J.J. Barea's basket with 2:11 to go cut Minnesota's deficit to 95-90.

Aldridge hit a jumper and Cunningham answered with a dunk as the hosts pulled within 99-98 in the final minute. Luke Babbitt made one of two free throws on the other end, Aldridge blocked Ricky Rubio's short jumper and then the Blazers held their breath after Aldridge missed a chance to seal the win at the line.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Portland G Damian Lillard had 21 points but committed three turnovers in the final 2:23 to assist in the Minnesota rally. ... The Blazers closed the third quarter on a 20-4 run to take a 77-58 lead into the fourth. ... Barea had 17 points and Rubio finished with a season-high 15 points and a career high-tying 14 assists for the Timberwolves.