It took four overtimes, 277 total points, and a Herculean effort, but the Portland Trail Blazers claimed victory in Game 3 of the Western Conference semi-finals in the longest game in NBA playoff history.
Never in the history had a longer game been played in the history of the league’s playoffs, an exceptional mark considering the many years during which the NBA has been around.
Portland took home a 140-137 win in a game that was dramatic until the last second.
The Blazers took a 138-136 lead after a Rodney Hood three-pointer with 18 seconds left. However, Portland fouled Denver forward Nikola Jokic in the waning seconds.
The Nuggets’ big man went to the line with a chance to tie the game and made the first shot. However, he missed the second free throw and Portland held a 138-137 lead.
Seth Curry was then fouled and buried two free throws to seal Portland’s dramatic win after sixty-eight minutes of game time.
CJ McCollum led Portland with 41 points, and Damian Lillard also chipped in 28.
Despite missing late free throws, Jokic had a monster game for Denver, scoring 33 points, gathering 18 rebounds, and dishing out 14 assists.
Game 4 will be played on Sunday, with Portland looking to take a commanding 3-1 series lead.
