NBA ROUNDUP : Drexler Still Looking Smooth for the Trail Blazers, 123-104

Clyde Drexler underwent arthroscopic knee surgery six weeks ago, but he showed no ill effects Sunday night.

Drexler scored 16 of his 29 points in the third quarter as the Portland Trail Blazers opened their season with a 123-104 victory over the Denver Nuggets at Portland.

Drexler made nine of 12 shots, most of them from long range. He made five consecutive shots during the third quarter when the defending Western Conference champions led by as many as 28 points. He also had a team-high nine rebounds.

Kevin Duckworth added 23 points for the Trail Blazers.

Chris Jackson scored 32 points for the Nuggets.

Cleveland 127, Charlotte 107--Brad Daugherty took advantage of a size mismatch and scored 25 points on nearly perfect shooting at Cleveland.

The 7-foot Daugherty, playing against a Charlotte lineup that started no one taller than 6-8, made nine of his first 10 shots and all seven of his free throws. He also had 12 rebounds. Daugherty finished 9 of 11 from the field.

Craig Ehlo scored 24 points and Mark Price had 17 for the Cavaliers.

Johnny Newman scored 24 points and Larry Johnson had 22 for the Hornets.