In yet another Portland Trail Blazers game that came down to the final minutes, the Chicago Bulls forced overtime. But the breaks went in Portland’s way, and the Blazers grabbed a win they desperately needed. Without Damian Lillard, CJ McCollum led the Blazers, with support by most of the roster. Here are a few essentials from tonight’s game.
- Stealing a win. In their final game without Lillard, the Blazers kept things close all night against the sub-.500 Bulls. Statistically, the teams were fairly close. As you’d expect, it came down to the wire. The Bulls made a few mistakes in the clutch (including forgetting to foul the Blazers with 9 seconds left!), and Portland stole one.
- Spread the scoring love around. Both teams had at least 6 players score in double-figures, as no player controlled the game until McCollum made big plays in overtime.
- It wasn’t a must-win, but... On a 3-game road trip, the Blazers never showed up in Atlanta, and head to Cleveland tomorrow night to play a Cavs on two days rest, with Isaiah Thomas back on the court. The Blazers were staring at the risk of an 0-3 road trip when they made the big plays in the final seconds.
Highlights
Shabazz in a flash! #ripcity https://t.co/Q7dncn6uxC pic.twitter.com/UjNRwZ9dhy
— NBC Sports Northwest (@NBCSNorthwest) January 2, 2018
Don't touch Turner, or you will get burned. ET IS ON FIRE! #ripcity https://t.co/Q7dncn6uxC pic.twitter.com/9ClCKQLZ3h
— NBC Sports Northwest (@NBCSNorthwest) January 2, 2018
Napier muscles through for the tough layup. #ripcity https://t.co/Q7dncn6uxC pic.twitter.com/FHz6LjevZo
— NBC Sports Northwest (@NBCSNorthwest) January 2, 2018
Turner has yet to cool down. #ripcity https://t.co/Q7dncn6uxC pic.twitter.com/4aCh24JnEi
— NBC Sports Northwest (@NBCSNorthwest) January 2, 2018
What’s Next
Right back in action tomorrow night, as the Blazers make their annual visit to LeBron James and his Cleveland Cavaliers. But stay tuned for more coverage of tonight’s game from Blazer’s Edge.