Blazers force OT with buzzer-beating tip-in, beat Grizzlies
The All-Star break usually allows teams fluctuating between the bottom and middle thirds of the NBA to determine if they should push for a playoff berth or think about what’s best for their future (which, yes, sometimes involves tanking). Most preseason expectations would have put the Portland Trail Blazers squarely in the latter camp, at least if they hadn’t already firmly established themselves as lottery participants. Yet Portland has been one of the pleasant surprises of this season, playing well enough to establish themselves as a true contender for a postseason spot ahead of several teams that were supposed to take serious leaps forward.
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Monday night’s game at the Memphis Grizzlies was a particularly useful example of the Blazers’ talent and ability in pressure-filled situations. Down 102-100 with just seven seconds remaining in regulation, Damian Lillard attempted a game-winning three-pointer. He missed, but the Blazers were in the right spots to get two more tries at forcing the extra period. The second may have actually been tipped in by Grizzlies forward Jeff Green, but Allen Crabbe was credited with the buzzer-beater to give his team five extra minutes:
C.J. McCollum scored the first six points of overtime (of his 21 total) to give Portland a head start, although the Grizzlies cut it to 108-106 with only 59 seconds left. A few fruitless possessions allowed Memphis a transition opportunity following a Zach Randolph board with only 13 ticks on the clock. Unfortunately for the hosts, they couldn’t convert two opportunities to tie it up:
Damian Lillard and Ed Davis added four free throws to seal the 112-106 win. Lillard was the star of the night, scoring a game-high 33 points (9-of-22 FG, 5-of-13 3FG, 10-of-12 FT) and adding five assists:
We do not wish injury on any All-Star, but it will be odd to see the West team without Lillard this weekend. He was the most glaring snub for a reason.
The victory brings the Blazers’ record to 26-27, a half-game behind the 25-25 Utah Jazz for the West’s final playoff spot. They host the Houston Rockets in a nationally televised game Wednesday to finish off their pre-All-Star slate. It should serve as a nice showcase for one of the season’s best stories.
The Grizzlies are in solid position in sole position of fifth place, although they got some bad news with roughly a minute left in the first quarter on Monday. Already dealing with right mid-foot issues, Gasol left and did not return after scoring 11 points in 11 minutes. His future status is not yet known.
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Eric Freeman is a writer for Ball Don’t Lie on Yahoo Sports. Have a tip? Email him at [email protected] or follow him on Twitter!
