Blazers pull out 4OT win in longest NBA playoff game since 1953
Credit to Author: AGENCE FRANCE-PRESSE| Date: Sat, 04 May 2019 16:27:50 +0000
LOS ANGELES: CJ McCollum delivered 41 points as the Portland Trail Blazers edged the Denver Nuggets 140-137 in four overtimes Friday (Saturday in Manila) in the longest NBA playoff game in 66 years.
The game featured 24 lead changes but the Blazers came out on top to take a 2-1 lead in the second round Western Conference series.
“I have never been involved a game like that in regular season or playoffs,” said Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts. “It was an amazing effort by both teams.”
It was just the second quadruple-overtime playoff game in NBA history, joining a 1953 game between the Boston Celtics and the Syracuse Nationals.
Damian Lillard added 28 points for Portland who can go up 3-1 with a victory in game four at home on Sunday.
“That was the craziest game I have ever been a part of,” said Lillard.Jamal Murray scored 34 points, and Nikola Jokic collected 33 points, 18 rebounds and 14 assists for the Nuggets, who used their inside game to keep the score close in the extra sessions.
“We fought, we fought, we fought. That’s all you can ask for. It was a hell of basketball game by two very good basketball teams,” said Denver coach Mike Malone.
McCollum played over 60 minutes and connected on 16 of 39 field goals as he went on a run in the fourth quarter and the beginning of the first overtime. He said he wasn’t tired.
“This is what I am built for,” said McCollum. “This is why I condition all summer. That is why I work on my diet. That is why I get my sleep and my massages.
“This is what we live for. We got to get some sleep and take advantage of our time. They are coming off a seven game series and so we will see them in a couple of days.”
Jokic also logged massive minutes, playing a historic 65, the most ever by a seven footer in the playoffs.
Will Barton made one of two free throws, giving Denver a 134-133 lead with one minute left in the fourth overtime. Rodney Hood’s baseline jumper then put Portland in front 135-134 with 44 seconds to go.
Paul Millsap’s layup gave the Nuggets into a 136-135 lead with 27 seconds to play.
Hood nailed a shot from beyond the arc to give Portland a 138-136 lead with 17 seconds remaining.
Jokic had a chance to tie it but missed one of two free throws to make it 138-137 with five seconds on the clock.
Portland’s Seth Curry then nailed a pair of clutch free throws for a 140-137 lead with 2.8 seconds left. Denver’s feeble attempt at a long inbounds pass was intercepted and the clock ran out.
AFP
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