Lillard had 32 points, including 17 in the third quarter, and the Portland Trail Blazers staved off elimination. He had been fairly quiet for the previous two games in the semifinal series, both Portland losses.

Lillard was reminded after the game that he’s never played in a Game 7 in his career.

„It’s basically a game where only one team is going to make it out,“ he said. „It’s your last opportunity to play, so facing elimination is what it is to me, and that’s going to be my approach, just like it was tonight. The only thing is that it’s going to be on the road. It’s for our season. All the marbles.“

BIG MAN CLUB: Jusuf Nurkic, the Blazers’ big man who broke his leg late in the season, watched from Portland’s bench in the second half. After the game, Jokic took a moment to recognize his former teammate. (Nurkic was traded to the Blazers in 2017).

„I just want to say something: I’m really happy to see Nurk back. I know he had a tough injury, and yes, he was with us and we are rivals, but it’s so good to see him walking by himself after such a short period,“ Jokic said.

ESPN