Trail Blazers Drop Nuggets, Move Within 1/2 Game of Memphis

With a 125-115 win over the Denver Nuggets, the Portland Trail Blazers got one step closer to earning a playoff spot that seemed out of reach just a week ago.

The team relied heavily on long-distance shooting, setting a franchise record with 23 made three-pointers.

Damian Lillard led the way with a franchise record-tying 11 three-pointers. He set the tone with four long-range makes in the first quarter and carried the team throughout several lulls in the third and early fourth quarter.

Not to be outdone, Gary Trent Jr. continued his coming out party in Orlando. He went 7-10 from the 3-point line to finish with 27 points. He’s going to get paid this summer.

Jusuf Nurkic continued his stellar play returning from a 17 month layoff due to injury. Nurk finished with 22 points, 7 rebounds, and an absolute baptism of Nuggets rookie Bol Bol:

With the win, the Trail Blazers moved to within 1/2 game of the Memphis Grizzlies for control of the eighth seed in the Western Conference. Just as importantly, they now hold a one-and-a-half game lead over the San Antonio Spurs and Phoenix Suns.

Up next for the Trail Blazers – the Los Angeles Clippers on Saturday, and the Ben Simmons-less Philadelphia 76ers on Sunday.