Jordan Scores 34 as Bulls Hand Trail Blazers Fourth Loss in a Row

In a game featuring last season’s NBA finalists, only the Chicago Bulls looked the part Sunday, beating the Portland Trail Blazers, 101-91.

It was the Trail Blazers’ fourth consecutive loss and third in a row at home, their worst home slump in four years.

Said Michael Jordan, who had 34 and 11 rebounds for the Bulls: “I don’t know what it is, but you can tell that they’re struggling. When you’ve got a team like that, you’ve got to have that killer instinct and jump on them as soon as possible.”

It was Chicago’s show virtually all the way as Jordan had 24 first-half points en route to his fifth consecutive game of 30-plus points.

“I’ve been trying to show leadership, keep everybody involved, keep everybody focused and doing the job they need to do and win games,” Jordan said. “That’s what leaders do.”

The Bulls have won four in a row, all on the road, including an overtime victory over the Clippers at the Sports Arena on Thursday.

The Bulls began their eight-game, 16-day trip through the West by losing three of four. They will play one more road game, at Indiana, before returning to Chicago.

Portland has lost four in a row for the first time since March 1, 1991, and three in a row at home for the first time since Feb. 18, 1989.

“It’s very frustrating right now because we know we’re capable of doing better,” Terry Porter said.

The Trail Blazers are 1-4 since allegations surfaced that some members of the team had sexual contact with two 16-year-old girls in Salt Lake City. No charges have been filed.

Cliff Robinson had 19 points and 10 rebounds and Rod Strickland scored 18 for the Trail Blazers on Sunday. Scottie Pippen scored 23 points, including the final six points of the third quarter.