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Another close game for the Portland Trail Blazers. Without Damian Lillard, they played a San Antonio Spurs squad missing Kawhi Leonard, Tony Parker, Danny Green, and Rudy Gay down to the final minutes. CJ McCollum saved the day, bouncing in the game-winner with five seconds remaining, sending the home crowd into hysterics.
ICE COLD CRAFTY JAMES FOR THE WIN!!!@CJMcCollum x #NBAVote pic.twitter.com/d2AhA9xC2j
— Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) January 8, 2018
Here were the stories that led up to the big moment.
- “Uh-oh” Time? As players warmed up, a slow-moving, limping Damian Lillard got the attention of observers. Before long, he was shut down for the game. His status for the upcoming road trip is unknown.
In reference to @jwquick tweet, here is video of Lillard pregame with watchful eyes from team medical personnel. He's also walking a little gingerly, skipping his usual dunk to conclude his warm-up. #RipCity pic.twitter.com/cuJPhZGYtQ
— NBC Sports Northwest (@NBCSNorthwest) January 8, 2018
- Return of the Shabazzle. Shabazz Napier struck again in Lillard’s absence, providing highlight plays for the Moda Center faithful, keeping the Blazers within reach of the Spurs. With Lillard’s status unknown, Napier has shown he can hold down the fort in the short-term.
Shabazz Napier... still the man... #ripcity https://t.co/Q7dncn6uxC pic.twitter.com/jpB4UUghS4
— NBC Sports Northwest (@NBCSNorthwest) January 8, 2018
- While Lillard’s away, the bench will play. Moe Harkless, Pat Connaughton, and Zach Collins brought their A-games against the Spurs, repeatedly causing the home crowd to erupt.
Highlights:
Shabazz with a little early dazzle #ripcity https://t.co/Q7dncn6uxC pic.twitter.com/DI1cofZLVb
— NBC Sports Northwest (@NBCSNorthwest) January 8, 2018
Pat freakin' Connaughton with the two-handed jam #ripcity https://t.co/Q7dncn6uxC pic.twitter.com/HXNBh7G4Ix
— NBC Sports Northwest (@NBCSNorthwest) January 8, 2018
It's Shabazz Napier's world... #ripcity https://t.co/Q7dncn6uxC pic.twitter.com/euLZrNGbGl
— NBC Sports Northwest (@NBCSNorthwest) January 8, 2018
Straight up, like Paula Abdul. pic.twitter.com/7QLA5NWFxz
— Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) January 8, 2018
When you're triple-teamed... that leaves someone open... #ripcity https://t.co/Q7dncn6uxC pic.twitter.com/UYNsqDqbgN
— NBC Sports Northwest (@NBCSNorthwest) January 8, 2018
CJ bullet pass to Nurk for the & 1 #ripcity https://t.co/Q7dncn6uxC pic.twitter.com/jhQpxGq7Jx
— NBC Sports Northwest (@NBCSNorthwest) January 8, 2018
Up Next:
It’s road trip time for the Blazers, starting Tuesday night in Oklahoma City, followed by Houston, New Orleans, and Minnesota. Stay tuned for more coverage of tonight’s game from Blazer’s Edge.
Hey! While you’re here!
Donate Tickets to Blazer’s Edge Night, 2018 to send kids in need to see the Blazers play the Sacramento Kings in February!
Head to this URL: http://rosequarter.com/blazersedge/
Click on “Donate Tickets”
Use the promo code BLAZERSEDGE on the purchase page after you’ve selected your tickets.
Tickets are automatically donated when you follow this process.
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Or buy these awesome Blazer’s Edge socks and a ticket will be donated for each pair you get!
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