PORTLAND, OR — Damian Lillard erupted for 49 points and Robert Williams III grabbed 15 rebounds as the Portland Trail Blazers rolled past the Los Angeles Lakers 145-120 to clinch the No. 7 seed in the Western Conference playoffs.
Portland dominated from deep, hitting 22-of-57 three-point attempts (39%) and scoring 66 points from beyond the arc. Lillard knocked down seven threes and exploded for 21 points in the fourth quarter alone.
“If we want any chance to make the playoffs, our defense has to improve,” James said afterward. “Giving up 145 points isn’t winning basketball, especially this time of year.”
Austin Reaves led the Lakers with 28 points, while LeBron James added 20. Deandre Ayton contributed 15 rebounds, but Los Angeles struggled from long range, shooting just 11-of-40 from three.
The Blazers held a slim 63-60 lead at halftime before taking complete control in the second half, outscoring the Lakers 82-60. Portland never trailed and led by as many as 25.
The Trail Blazers advance as the West’s No. 7 seed, while the Lakers were forced into a final elimination game against Denver.
