Damian Lillard = clutch.
Lillard is the player that the opposing teams will double on the midfield line when the game is on the line, anything to stop him from making the big move. Dallas had Dorian Finney-Smith – a quality defender – but like any human he will stop it.
Dame is unreal … #RipCity
Stream: https://t.co/Qw6YqQ11wx pic.twitter.com/Brroq5d88y
– NBC Sports Northwest (@NBCSNorthwest) February 15, 2021
There were a few more buckets – and Luka Doncic lost only a three that would have forced extra time – but the Trail Blazers managed to win by 121-118.
Lillard finished with 34 points and 11 assists, which was barely enough to overcome the Doncic duel, which ended with 44 points and nine assists.
This was a highly entertaining game for two teams trying to climb the ladder in the West. Portland only had a little more balance, winning 17 points from Gary Trent Jr. and 15 from Carmelo Anthony.
The bad news from Portland came from Harry Giles, who had overcome many injuries to reach the championship, but left the game with a non-contact injury. No word yet on the details, but that doesn’t look good.
Harry Giles falls with what appears to be a non-contact injury to his left leg. He would replace Kanter and his status is currently unknown. pic.twitter.com/B1AyJaN3H7
– NBC Sports Northwest (@NBCSNorthwest) February 15, 2021