4.) Dame Upsets Spurs (Again)
I talked about one Dame’s best career performances against the Spurs earlier in his playing career (#9 in the slideshow), and he stepped up once again against them.
Following an absolutely awful loss to the Pelicans, Portland looked in jeopardy of having a losing road trip. In front of an ESPN audience, though, the Blazers bested one of the NBA’s best.
No team won a quarter by more than three points, showing how contested it was.
MVP candidate Kawhi Leonard harassed Portland’s offense all game. Leonard added in 34 points, nine rebounds and six assists to round out his near-perfect night.
Dame wasn’t about to let his team lose two straight, no matter who the opponent was.
Lillard slayed the defense with a 36-point effort, adding four assists and three rebounds.
Portland entered the fourth up 82-80, but the Spurs tied it 91-91 with seven minutes left. Portland would never relinquish the lead, even as San Antonio creeped back in.
LaMarcus Aldridge did his best to spoil it for his former team. Kawhi did Kawhi things. Patty Mills hit a clutch three with nine seconds left to make it 106-105.
But Lillard Time wasn’t taking a snooze this game. After the Mills three, Dame hit a pair at the line for a 108-105 lead. After Manu Ginobili missed his first free throw, and accidentally made the second, Lillard went to the line and drove a stake in the Spurs.
His final pair of free throws put Portland ahead for good, 110-106.