Nets continue road trip in Portland

The Nets are 2-0 on the current swing.

Kerry Kittles scored a game-high 22 points to lead New Jersey over the Los Angeles Clippers, 102-96, on Thursday at the Staples Center.

Jason Kidd added 18 points and 10 assists for the Nets. Jason Collins netted 14 points, as New Jersey won its second straight game on the heels of a two- game skid.

The Nets broke a 52-52 tie with an 11-2 run late in the third quarter and led the rest of the way. Two free throws by Kidd capped off the spurt and New Jersey led 63-54 with 2:52 remaining in the frame.

Each team tallied 30 points in the fourth stanza, but the Clippers never seriously threatened.

The Nets are 5-2 on the road this season.

Portland comes into tonight’s game well rested.

The Trail Blazers dropped their second straight game on Tuesday night, as they were dealt an 81-80 loss at home by the Washington Wizards.

Zach Randolph posted 24 points and 15 rebounds for the Trail Blazers, who lost for the fourth time in six games.

The Blazers are 7-2 at home.

In 2002-03, New Jersey won both contests between the two teams. The Nets took home a 93-86 win at the Rose Garden on November 30, 2002 and also defeated the Blazers 105-104 on December 11th in New Jersey.

Overall, the Nets have won three in a row over the Blazers. New Jersey has lost 14 of its last 16 at Portland.