Down 96-98, the Blazers had just one more chance to triumph over the Rockets in this first-round playoffs match-up against Houston. With a 3-2 series lead, winning Friday’s game would give the Rip City the series win.
As soon as Lillard took the inbound pass, he hoisted a three-pointer and the ball sunk perfectly through the mesh.
Portland’s bench rushed the court as Lillard and his teammates celebrated the biggest win of their young careers.
LaMarcus Aldridge led the Blazers with 30 points and 13 rebounds, while Houston’s James Harden soared over all scorers with 34 points and six assists and four steals.
The Blazers will face either the San Antonio Spurs or Dallas Mavericks in the Western Conference Semifinals.
The series win over Houston is the Blazers’ first playoff series win in 16 years.
Also tonight, the Brooklyn Nets crushed the Toronto Raptors to force a Game 7 on Sunday afternoon. The Mavericks eked out a win over the Spurs to also set up a Game 7 on Sunday.
