The Portland Trail Blazers’ hot streak continued after they stunned the Los Angeles Lakers, 100-93, in Game 1 of their first round series on Tuesday, August 18 (Wednesday, August 19, Manila time).

Damian Lillard took over in the final 6 minutes as the No. 8 Blazers won their fifth straight game in the NBA bubble to draw first blood against the No. 1 Lakers in their best-of-seven affair.

Contained by the Lakers’ defense for the majority of the second half, Lillard found his stride late to finish with 34 points, knocking down two crucial three-pointers for the upset-hungry Blazers.

Lillard drilled in a 30-foot triple to knot the score at 87 before launching from 36 feet to give the Blazers a 92-89 lead with 3 minutes remaining.

He then assisted on a Carmelo Anthony three-pointer and a Jusuf Nurkic dunk that wrapped up the Blazers’ win-clinching 11-4 run.

CJ McCollum delivered 21 points and 5 rebounds, Nurkic put up 16 points and 15 rebounds, while Anthony churned out 11 points, 10 rebounds, and 5 assists in the win.

Hassan Whiteside made his presence felt with 7 points, 8 rebounds, and 5 blocks for the Blazers, who replicated what the No. 8 Orlando Magic did when they upset the No. 1 Milwaukee Bucks over in the Eastern Conference. (READ: What sweep? Magic upset Bucks in Game 1)

LeBron James notched a playoff career-high 16 assists on top of 23 points and 17 rebounds for the Lakers, but the Blazers just proved too hot to handle when Lillard gets going.

The Lakers’ woes since the season restart continue to pile up as they lost 5 of their last 6 games. – Rappler.com