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0 of 3 Premium Clicks used this month SUBSCRIBE Print + Online Subscriber Activation | Register x Forgot Password | Need an Account? e-edition | subscribe | newsletter | deals Home News Latest Stories Emergency services Students send heartfelt message to missing Ashland girl Commissioners won't object to BLM road closures Jackson County pair jailed for murder of North Carolina motel manager Following Stafford's threads Crime, Courts and Emergency Services Emergency services Jackson County pair jailed for murder of North Carolina motel manager Klamath Falls man charged in DUII crash that killed Eagle Point woman Woman struck and killed by vehicle in Josephine County Retrial begins in botched murder case that helped unseat a judge Politics and Elections Ashland aims for diversity, but numbers show shortfall Kent Bush: The keys to decoding the State of the Union address Oregon Legislature convenes, session starts Feb. 12 Councilman stirs online dust-up with anti-marijuana post Education State boosts class time expectation A wealth of experience Ballroom dance class is a hit with North Medford students Talent Elementary students learn to tinker Local elementary and middle school students qualify for state chess championships Environment Commissioners won't object to BLM road closures Mt. 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Four companies will be pitching their plan to you Medford airport traffic flies to new heights Agriculture Darigold to shutter Medford plant, putting 29 out of work Rising prices bear fruit for local pear growers Opinion Latest Our View: We're overdue for a big shakeup Letters to the Editor, Jan. 27 Michael Gerson: Republicans in the immigration minefield Letters to the Editor, Jan. 26 Our View: Asphalt saga nears end of the road Editorials Our View: We're overdue for a big shakeup Our View: Asphalt saga nears end of the road Other Views: Governor should not forget rural Oregon Our View: Edible marijuana risks demand strict rules Our View: Public salaries move only upward Letters to the Editor Letters to the Editor, Jan. 27 Letters to the Editor, Jan. 26 Letters to the Editor, Jan. 25 Letters to the Editor, Jan. 23 Letters to the Editor, Jan. 22 Guest Opinions Guest Opinion: Market forces work against LNG project's success Guest Opinion: More reasons to oppose gas pipeline A fair shot for all: addressing our low-wage crisis Guest Opinion: SOU biomass burner would be big mistake Guest Opinion: Reforms needed to build upon John Day’s success Lifestyle Latest stories Buying a home? Consider its walkability Shayne Looper: ‘Unanswered’ prayers can challenge one’s faith Food for Thought: These healthy Super Bowl snacks are game-changers It Is What It Is: Better late than never, as far as I’m concerned Acting on instinct Food Food for Thought: These healthy Super Bowl snacks are game-changers Community blog: For light, lacy tempura, minimize mixing batter Community blog: Trends aside, butternut squash a seasonal darling Gail Ciampa: Creative ways to explore the oft-maligned cauliflower Best of the Brews Home and Garden Buying a home? Consider its walkability Home Help: 5 ways to revamp your outdoor living space this year Paint a room or two in a weekend Dear Monty: Sell home now? Or wait until summer? Home Help: How to keep your house pest-free this winter Health Community blog: Breathe Away Anxiety Health Watch: Why you should consider the Mediterranean diet Community blog: Best Cities for Aging? - Not Medford Healthy Aging: Whether supper or dinner, it's best eaten together Practicing for the real thing Hiking Biking Faith Religion briefs, Jan. 23 Religion briefs Old stained-glass windows face threats Churches start new year with messages of hope Milestones and Achievements 50 years and counting: Bulebar Wedding: Lindsey-Maria Rios New arrivals Columnist for a Day Rogue Healthy Aging Tempo Latest stories Eric Church blends rock and country on arena tour Bill Frisell turns tunes into art forms Ballyhoo! plays the Brickroom Review: Randall Theatre's 'Irma Vep' is low brow, high laughs Live Music in Local Clubs Theater Randall Theatre presents playwright Charles Ludlam's comedy "The Mystery of Irma Vep" Roy Orbison tribute hits high note Thanks for the Memories Theatre presents 'Cardenio' Thanks for the Memories Theatre presents 'Rent' Tangled up in Dylan Music Eric Church blends rock and country on arena tour Bill Frisell turns tunes into art forms Ballyhoo! plays the Brickroom Live Music in Local Clubs Songs of the '60s highlight 'Those Were the Days' Community Events Paula Poundstone performs at the Craterian Len Dickson's 'Fall Harvest' to grace Belle Fiore wine label A look at the life and vision of Martin Luther King Jr. Ty Barnett and Ian Harris are 'Divided' Elaine Witteveen's new exhibit 'Wings' opens at the Rogue Gallery Dining The Vine offers a taste of Italy Cheeseburgers on the cheap Valley View — It's all in the family Patty Groth's Morning Glory is still a delight Entertaining with a gift of treasure Tempo Videos Classifieds Jobs Autos Real Estate FEATURED » Obituaries Blogs TV Listings Movie Listings Oregon Outdoors Oregon Healthy Living Magazines & Special Sections NEWS NOW Two new wolves confirmed in Southern Oregon, state reviewing status of northeastern packs ... Students send heartfelt message to missing Ashland girl ... Commissioners won't object to BLM road closures ... Two new wolves confirmed in Southern Oregon, state reviewing status of northeastern packs ... Students send heartfelt message to missing Ashland girl ... Commissioners won't object to BLM road closures ... NBA Aldridge returns, Blazers top Wizards Comment By The Associated Press MailTribune.com By The Associated Press Posted Jan. 25, 2015 @ 2:00 am By The Associated Press Posted Jan. 25, 2015 @ 2:00 am » Social News PORTLAND — Each time that LaMarcus Aldridge went to the free-throw line late in the game against the Washington Wizards, the Trail Blazers' forward was showered with a chant of "MVP, MVP," from the hometown fans. Just two days before, Aldridge had announced he was going to have surgery to repair a ligament in his left thumb and would miss the next six to eight weeks. But in a dramatic turn, he announced Saturday that he'd play through the pain. And hours later, he had 26 points and nine rebounds in the Blazers' 103-96 victory over the Wizards. Even the public address announcer at the Moda Center beckoned the crowd to cheer him for a curtain call as he finally left the court. "I'm not into the rah-rah story," Aldridge said. "I just wanted to come back and play. I wanted to test it out at home, and versus these guys because I felt they were a physical team, and if I could play against these guys then that would be good. And I was OK." Damian Lillard added 20 points and seven assists as the Blazers snapped two-game losing streak. Tied at 79 midway through the fourth quarter, Wesley Matthews made two 3-pointers that gave Portland an 87-85 with 3:28 left. Lillard's 3 extended the lead 92-85. Nene's layup closed the Wizards to 94-91 but he missed a free throw then fouled Meyers Leonard on a 3-point attempt on the other end. Leonard made all three free throws to put Portland up 97-91 with 1:07 left and Washington couldn't catch up. John Wall, this week was named an Eastern Conference starter for the All-Star game, led the Wizards with 25 points and nine assists. The Wizards, coming off a 105-103 overtime loss to Oklahoma City on Wednesday, led by as many as 14 points in the first half. "In the third quarter they really started to make their shots and we didn't. It started to look a lot like the OKC game," Wall said. "We gave ourselves opportunities, we just didn't close out possessions." The Blazers had lost five of their last six, including Thursday night's last-second 90-89 loss to the Boston Celtics. It was Aldridge's night after he surprised many by deciding to play despite his proclamation 48 hours earlier that he was planning to undergo surgery. He hurt his thumb on Monday against the Sacramento Kings and missed two games, both Portland losses. Now, he'll take it a game at a time, he said. "My idea now is to play the rest of the season," he said. "But if it gets too much where I can't handle it or I'm not playing at a very good level then I'll stop. But hopefully it goes well for us." Despite the emotional boost from his return, the Blazers didn't hit a shot from the floor in the first 4 minutes of the game. Then Aldridge made his first two jumpers. The Wizards took advantage of the slow start and led 32-20 after the first quarter. Nene paced Washington with 11 points. CJ McCollum hit a 3-pointer that pulled the Blazers to 43-39 but Wall answered with a jumper and the Wizards led 55-45 at the break. Wesley Matthews answered with a 3 for the Blazers to narrow the gap to 66-61. Dorrell Wright got Portland closer with a falling-down 3 and a free throw that made it 68-67. Aldridge hit a 20-foot-jumper to finally pull the Blazers in front, capping their 16-5 run. But it was short-lived and the Wizards led 70-69 going into the final quarter. TIP INS Wizards: It was the first of a four-game Western Conference road swing for Washington. ... Nene fouled out on the foul against Leonard. ... The Wizards were 9-0 when leading after the three quarters on the road going into the game against the Blazers. Trail Blazers: The Blazers distributed special lapel ribbons to the fans at the Moda Center to call attention to owner Paul Allen's campaign to fight the spread of Ebola. Allen, the co-founder of Microsoft who also owns the Seattle Seahawks, has already pledged $100 million toward the effort. PIERCE'S MILESTONE Paul Pierce hit a 3, the 2,000th of his career, to put the Wizards up 66-58 midway through the third quarter. Pierce is the fourth player all-time to reach that milestone. He joins Ray Allen, Reggie Miller and Jason Terry. MONEY AT THE LINE The Blazers were a perfect 20-for-20 from the free throw line, including 15 free throws in the final quarter. It is just the seventh time in team history that they've been perfect from the line with 20 or more attempts. UP NEXT Wizards: At Denver tonight. Trail Blazers: At Brooklyn on Monday. By The Associated Press MailTribune.com By The Associated Press Posted Jan. 25, 2015 @ 2:00 am » Comment or view comments Reader Reaction » STAY INFORMED Email NewsLetter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. fantasy football DraftKings Fantasy Pro Bowl, Super Bowl Lineup Jan. 24, 2015 at 11:37 am Fantasy Favorites, Lineup Picks for Super Bowl XLIX Jan. 22, 2015 at 9:00 am Fantasy Breakdown, Stat Predictions for Super Bowl Jan. 20, 2015 at 1:00 pm Fantasy Outlook for Raiders Stars Jan. 20, 2015 at 7:13 am DraftKings Fantasy Guide for Packers vs. Seahawks Jan. 16, 2015 at 10:00 am DraftKings Fantasy Guide for Colts vs. Patriots Jan. 16, 2015 at 10:00 am calendar Connect with MailTribune.com Facebook Twitter RSS Back to top Reader Services Reader Services Home Subscriptions Subscriber controls Contact us Submissions Photos Events Letters to the editor Corrections Announcements Obituaries Story ideas Since you asked Alerts Email Alerts RSS Feeds Text Alerts Advertise Media Kit Home Products and services Ad rates Advertising contacts Mail Tribune Daily Tidings The Nickel Shop Our Valley Blogs Stay Informed Email newsletter Sign Up Today Sign up for our newsletter and have the top headlines from your community delivered right to your inbox. 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