TRAIL BLAZERS 119, TIMBERWOLVES 106: LaMarcus Aldridge returned from an elbow injury to score 26 points and Nicolas Batum added 24 as Portland breezed past visiting Minnesota.

Aldridge, who sat out Friday’s game because of a sprained left elbow, helped the Trail Blazers salvage the final of a three-game series and move percentage points ahead of the Timberwolves.

Kevin Love had 26 points and nine rebounds for the Timberwolves, but was virtually shut down in the second half - scoring just eight points. He was 1 of 6 on 3-point attempts.

The Trail Blazers made nine 3-pointers to five for the Timberwolves. Portland also outscored Minnesota by a 50-40 margin in points in the paint.

Raymond Felton had 10 points, 11 assists and eight rebounds for Portland.

After a slow start, J.J. Hickson finished with 15 points and nine rebounds. Wesley Matthews scored 18.

Luke Ridnour and Derrick Williams each scored 21 for Minnesota.

Aldridge had 14 points as Portland took a 57-50 halftime lead.

Minnesota stayed close in the first half by making 16 of 18 free throws.

Portland went on a 13-4 run in the third for an 81-68 lead and was up 88-80 after three quarters. Love had just two points in the quarter.

GAME NOTEBOOK: Portland’s Joel Przybilla (sprained right knee) sat out the game, and Hickson started in his place. … Starting with this game, the Blazers will play five games in seven nights. … Former Trail Blazer and longtime broadcaster Steve “Snapper” Jones was honored by the team before the game.