Indomitable Blazers led by an incredible 55-point Damian Lillard with 12 successful triples out of 17 attempts force the Nuggets to work overtime twice despite Nikola Jokic’s almost triple double (38 points, 11 rebounds, 9 assists).
Portland is always one step behind the hosts throughout the match, but McCollum’s 105-105 draw and Nurkic’s fouled out make the last 6 minutes a rodeo. Morris on the line makes +3 leaving the last action to Lillard who scores from 10 meters for the overtime (121-121).
Denver starts strong, Morris and Rivers score on Jokic’s assists, for +9. Lillard once again does not fit and once again recovers from three and draws 135-135 for an extra second!
Again Lillard and Jokic animate the long evening at the Ball Arena (140-140), then Malone orders to isolate the Oregon player. Michael Porter Jr. scores a 3 points in the corner. Powell hits the triple, Covington fails the dunk sending it to the iron, McCollum puts a foot out of the field and loses the ball and this time the time runs out.
Denver – Portland 147-140 (3-2). Boxscore: 28 Morris, 26p+12r Porter Jr., 18 Rivers, 14p+10r Gordon per i Nuggets; 55p+10as Lillard, 19p+10r Covington, 18 McCollum, 13p+11r Nurkic, 13 Powell per i Blazers.
