The Portland Trail Blazers avoided a series sweep against the Memphis Grizzlies thanks in large part to point guard Damian Lillard scoring 32 points on Monday.
Memphis led by as many as 10 points in the fourth quarter, but it wasn’t enough of a lead to keep the Blazers down as they stared elimination in the face having already fallen 3-0 down in the series.
However, they were able to force a Game 5 with Lillard leading the way, while LaMarcus Aldridge added 18 points and 12 rebounds and CJ McCollum played a huge role down the stretch with clutch shots to finish the game with 18 points.
Game 5 is on Wednesday in Memphis.
Elsewhere, the Chicago Bulls lost at home for the first time since mid-March as they failed to see off the Milwaukee Bucks again who are now down 3-2 in the series.
Point guard Michael Carter-Williams led the visitors with 22 points and eight assists as they forced a Game 6, and it is now certainly an anxious camp in Chicago as they try again to advance to the semi-finals where the Cleveland Cavaliers are waiting.
Meanwhile, Deron Williams produced a vintage performance on Monday night as his 35 points ensured that the Brooklyn Nets tied up their first round series with the Atlanta Hawks at 2-2.
Williams made seven 3-pointers, including going 4-of-4 in the fourth quarter, and so now the Nets will be full of confidence heading into the next encounter having protected home court against the No.1 seed in the Eastern Conference.
NBA Results:
Atlanta Hawks 115-120 Brooklyn Nets (OT)
Milwaukee Bucks 94-88 Chicago Bulls
Memphis Grizzlies 92-99 Portland Trail Blazers
COMMENTS