Damian Lillard recorded 38 points and seven assists to lead the Portland Trail Blazers to a crucial 106-101 victory over the visiting Los Angeles Lakers on Friday night.
CJ McCollum scored 21 points for the Trail Blazers (38-29), who moved into sixth place in the Western Conference, while dropping the Lakers (37-30) into seventh place. The top six finishers avoid the play-in round.
The victory also gives Portland the important tiebreaker edge by taking two of three from Los Angeles in the season series.
Anthony Davis registered 36 points, 12 rebounds and five assists for the Lakers, who lost for the eighth time in the past 10 games.
Alex Caruso scored 18 points and Kentav…
Keep on reading: Fading Lakers drop to 7th, play-in after loss to Blazers