CJ McCollum displayed just why he is such a dangerous offensive threat as he knocked 10 of his 33 points in the last quarter to ensure Portland Trail Blazers win their 4th consecutive game by beating Boston Celtics 129-119. Damian Lillard scored an impressive double-double with 26 points and 13 assists. While Carmelo Anthony knocked 13, including a clutch 3-pointer.
Jayson Tatum scored 33 to lead Boston, which is trying to avoid falling into the play-in round in the final weeks of the season. After rallying from 32 points behind to beat San Antonio in overtime Friday night, the Boston Celtics couldn’t produce another comeback against the Portland Trail Blazers.
CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard guide Portland Trail Blazers past rigid Boston Celtics
The Portland Trail Blazers improved to 4-0 on their six-game road trip. They entered the game in seventh in the Western Conference playoff standings and are trying to work their way out of the play-in round.
Norman Powell scored 23 points, Robert Covington had 10 and Jusuf Nurkic pulled down 11 rebounds for Portland. After the teams went into halftime tied at 71, Portland capitalized on 6 turnovers in the third quarter and led 103-98 entering the fourth quarter.
The Boston Celtics stayed within a basket or two and had another chance after Tatum hit a pair of free throws to pull Boston within 121-119 with 1:21 left to play. But Anthony answered for Portland with a 3-pointer, then sidestepped his way back on defense while waving his arms at Boston’s fans. After a miss by the Celtics, Powell took it the other way for a layup and Portland had a 126-119 lead.
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