Lillard, Blazers take 3-2 lead on ailing Clippers

FULL FIRST-ROUND SCHEDULE | EXPERT BRACKETS

Damian Lillard’s dagger came with 4:13 on the clock. The Portland Trail Blazers guard darted left, caught the pass and immediately rose for a 3-pointer. Los Angeles Clippers guard Austin Rivers closed out and put a hand up. As the ball bounced around the rim, Lillard started running to the other side of the court. It rattled in, and Los Angeles called timeout.

With a 16-point lead, Lillard high-fived his teammates, having successfully shaken off a rough start. It was Lillard time, so of course he broke the depleted Clippers’ hearts.

Through three quarters, Lillard had six points on 1-for-10 shooting. His backcourt mate, C.J. McCollum, was rolling, as was forward Maurice Harkless. Their contributions were matched by the Clippers’ DeAndre Jordan and Jeff Green, though, so the two teams were tied heading into the final frame.

Blazers coach Terry Stotts elected to deviate from his normal rotation. Instead of Lillard going to the bench, he stayed in and beat up Los Angeles’ bench. Pablo Prigioni, bless him, had no chance of sticking with the Blazers star, and Lillard finally found his rhythm.

Portland led by seven points when Lillard checked out with 9:11 left in the game, and 11 when he came back in less than three minutes later. He made his first six shots of the period, finishing with 22 points on 7-for-20 …

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