It seems like this year is the year that both John Wall and Damian Lillard rise to the superstar level. Both guards are having spectacular seasons and doing everything in their power to will their teams to the postseason.
The two teams met in Portland Tuesday where the Blazers looked to sweep the season series. Overall, the game was relatively tight and Portland wound up winning 116-109 in overtime.
Damian Lillard got hot early. His 13 first quarter points propelled the Trail Blazers to a 29-22 lead after one. John Wall struggled with his shot in the quarter, finishing with three points on 1/5 shooting, but did dish out four assists.
The second quarter was all Washington, who were led by Ramon Sessions’ 11 points off the bench. Wall wasn’t as aggressive this time around, attempting only two shots but connecting on both. Lillard and the Blazers struggled, shooting 39% for the quarter and seeing only two points from their superstar. Thanks to the 33-point quarter, the Wizards entered halftime leading 55-54.
Damian Lillard was able to find his stroke for the third quarter and scored ten more points, going 5/5 from the free throw line and 2/4 from the field. John Wall became more aggressive, but it wasn’t to Washington’s benefit, as he shot 3/9 from the field and scored only six points.
The fourth quarter was mostly uneventful as both teams shot poorly. However, C.J. McCollum was able to force overtime by connecting on a 17-foot jump shot that tied the game at 104 with 5.9 seconds left; Lillard had seven points, and Wall had three for the quarter
The overtime period was Dame Time, no question. The cold-blooded superstar accounted for nine of the 12 Portland points in the period, while the Wizards were only able to put up five points themselves.
The Wizards travel to Utah for a game on Friday while Portland rematches with Golden State on Friday as well.
Around The League
The Raptors move just two games back of the Cavaliers for the number one seed in the conference with a 104-99 win over the Nets. The all-star tandem of DeMar DeRozan and Kyle Lowry had 25 and 23, respectively, to led Toronto. Brook Lopez had a game-high 35 points and seven blocked shots, becoming the 13th player and first Net to do so.
San Antonio, on the second half of a back-to-back, smashed the Timberwolves 116-91 without Duncan, Parker, and Ginobili. LaMarcus Aldridge was the high-man with 29 points and also added in four blocks. Andrew Wiggins led the Wolves with 23 while KAT and LaVine combined for 34.
The Lakers keep surprising everyone and beat Orlando 107-98 to record their second two-game winning streak of the year, and also winning three of their last five. D’Angelo Russell stayed hot and registered 27 while Jordan Clarkson threw in 24 of his own, and took Evan Fournier’s ankles. Victor Oladipo was the Magic’s leading scorer and tallied 26.
Scores
BKN 99 - TOR 104
SAS 116 - MIN 91
NYK 94 - DEN 110
ATL 91 - UTAH 84
WASH 109 - POR 116
ORL 98 - LAL 107
