Portland Trail Blazers star guard CJ McCollum was outstanding in a 100-96 Game 7 victory over the Denver Nuggets, and he even added a monster defensive highlight to go along with his offensive exploits. With the Blazers nursing a four-point fourth-quarter lead, McCollum pulled off an epic chasedown block of Nuggets guard Jamal Murray:
McCollum's big play helped the Blazers hold off the Nuggets in order to advance to the Western Conference Finals to face the Golden State Warriors.
As great as this play was, though, it was indeed McCollum's bucket-getting that will be the major story. The guard poured in 37 points on 17-of-29 shooting, and he did it with only one 3-point make and two made free throws.
McCollum made a killing from mid-range, burying multiple clutch jumpers down the stretch to secure the victory. He had eight points in the fourth quarter after notching 14 points in a crucial third quarter.
Portland only managed 39 points in the first half and trailed by nine at halftime, but McCollum's third quarter got them back in it and set up the frenetic finish.
McCollum's huge performance helped make up for an off shooting night from Damian Lillard. The star point guard managed only 13 points on 3-of-17 shooting, though he grabbed 10 rebounds, handed out eight assists and nabbed three steals to make an impact on the game despite shooting poorly.
CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard will have their work cut out for them when they face Stephen Curry, Klay Thompson and the Warriors in the Western Conference Finals. Kevin Durant is also expected back at some point, and DeMarcus Cousins may even return.
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