Damian Lillard broke the playoff record for threes scored, but his Portland Trail Blazers lost in Denver, 147-140.
Donovan Mitchell, Utah Jazz Tie the Series Against the Denver Nuggets, 124-105
Dame had a miraculous 55 points, scoring 12 threes in 17 shots, forcing two overtimes with long-distance shots, but not having proper support in the moments when it mattered the most. Lillard was all by himself with the game on the line, and the Nuggets used that to post a win and take a 3-2 lead in the series.
Those 12 threes are the highest in the history of the NBA playoffs, with Portland’s No.0 surpassing Golden State Warriors, Klay Thompson, who had one downtown hit fewer.
Donovan Mitchell Outplays Jamal Murray, Powers His Jazz Past Nuggets, 129-127
The Nuggets had a 22-point lead throughout the first half, but they suddenly dropped as halftime approached. Even though the hosts had occasional bursts, often pulling away, they couldn’t break the resistance of the guests from Oregon.
Dame forced the first overtime with 3.8 seconds to go. The Nuggets started the first extra-time very hard, reaching a nine-point lead, but instead of securing the game, they once again allowed Portland to come back. Monte Morris missed an open layup, and on the other hand, Lillard scored a three over the same player for another five minutes of play.
However, in the second OT, Dame was without power, and his teammates just stood by, not being able to help the fantastic shooting guard.
Lillard shot 17-for-24 from the field, and 9-for-10 from the free-throw line, assisting 10 times and securing six boards. Robert Covington scored 19 with 11 rebounds, while CJ McCollum added 18 buckets. Melo was 3-for-11 and had just 8 points.
On the other side, Denver had Nikola Jokic, who scored 38 points, had 11 boards, and nine assists with four blocks. Jokic shot 14-for-31 from the field. Monte Morris had 28 points, and Michael Porter Jr 26 with 13 rebounds, 10-for-13 from the field. Though, we need to mention that up until the point when he hit the clutch three in the second OT, MPJ was not noticeable as he should.
Game 6 is set for Thursday night in Portland, with the match starting at 8 pm ET.
In other events of the night, the Phoenix Suns humiliated the Los Angeles Lakers, recording a 30-point victory, 115-85. The Suns now lead 3-2 in the series.
LA Lakers Take the Lead in the Series, James and Davis Rout Trail Blazers, 116-108
-->The Brooklyn Nets finished their series against the Boston Celtics, defeating the rivals, 123-109. After five games, the Nets progressed to the East semis, where they meet the Milwaukee Bucks.
