An inter-conference showdown just barely went the Toronto Raptors' way, as they defeated the Portland Trail Blazers, 117-115, despite a huge effort from Damian Lillard.
The Trail Blazers have been playing red-hot basketball, winning 14 of their previous 17 games before Friday night and vaulting into the Western Conference playoff mix.
Lillard did his part to carry Portland, finishing with at least 50 points for the second time in the last nine games. He made 16 of the Trail Blazers' 39 field goals, including six of their 11 three-pointers.
The Raptors are quietly challenging Cleveland for the top spot in the Eastern Conference, having won 20 of their previous 24 games after Friday's victory.
DeMar DeRozan tried to keep pace with Lillard, scoring a season-high 38 points. He didn't shoot well from the floor (7-of-19), but he was brilliant from the free-throw line, going 24-of-25.
Kyle Lowry chipped in with 28 points and six assists, while Jonas Valanciuna ...
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Article written by Adam Wells