Damian Lillard almost singlehandedly brought the Portland Trail Blazers back into the game in the third period of Game 3 of their first-round playoff series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The Thunder took control in the first half, which ended with them on top by 10 points. They also started strong in the third quarter and led by as much as 16 points with almost 10 minutes left in the period. However, the Thunder managed to pull within striking distance, as Lillard erupted in the third period.
Lillard scored 25 points in the third quarter alone, setting a new career-high for points scored in a quarter in a playoff game. After trailing by 16 points early in the third period, Portland found themselves just down by four points heading into the final period. Lillard said that he wanted to keep the game close and give his team a chance to win late in the game.
Dame shares what it was that sparked his 25-pt 3rd quarter performance. #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/8lZff3auWs
— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 20, 2019
However, the Thunder fed off the energy of the loud crowd at the Chesapeake Energy Arena to pull away late in the fourth period. Oklahoma City escaped with a 120-108 win to score their first victory in the series, overcoming the 32-point performance from Lillard.
Russell Westbrook, who scored just 14 points in Game 2, bounced back big time. The Thunder superstar finished with 33 points and 11 assists on top of five rebounds and a block. Paul George struggled from the field but managed to finish with 22 points to go along with six rebounds and six assists.
Jerami Grant posted 18 points, while Dennis Schroder added 17 points and six assists off the bench. Steven Adams tallied 10 points and seven rebounds for the Thunder, who will look to tie the series when they host the Trail Blazers again on Sunday in Oklahoma City.
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