In the NBA, the Portland Trail Blazers were looking to earn a spot in the post-season. Not much was expected from the team from the Rose City at the start of the season, as they turned over about half the roster.
But players like Al-Farouq Aminu stepped up and played well with their increased roles, and the Blazers forward would be instrumental in his squad's game against a short-handed Oklahoma City team.
OKC had clinched the third seed, so they rested Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook, so Enes Kanter would lead the way offensively. He gets the jumper, but the Thunder trail by 5. The Turk would pour in a career-high 33.
Off to the second half, and the Blazers extend the lead as C-J McCollum curls off the screen and gets to the cup for the cram. 14-point edge now.
And Dion Waiters would also get some run -- he gets the hoop and harm, and chips in with 25, but the visitors still trail by double digits.
Rip City would cause a turnover and get out in transition, and Mo Harkless is out in front of the pack as his dunk increases the lead to 19.
The margin swells to 21 -- off another fastbreak hoop -- this time it is Allen Crabbe, who uses his pincers to launch a three
Off to the fourth -- and the Blazers are once again on the run, and Aminu is able to Eurostep his way to the cup -- he scores a team high 26, as Portland hold on for a five point win, and clinch a playoff spot.
Portland 120 - Oklahoma City 115
In other action, Detroit edged Orlando to move to within a game of clinching a playoff berth. Indy beat a Lebron-less Cavs team. Boston and Charlotte grabbed wins. Dallas helped their post-season chances, while also damaging Houston's. The Clippers won the battle of L.A., handing the Lakers a franchise worst 62nd loss of the year.
As for playoff situation, Cleveland leads Toronto for the top spot in the East. Atlanta, Boston, Miami, and Charlotte can all finish as high as third, and as low as sixth. Indy and Detroit are on the verge of clinching their berths.
Out West, G-State and San Antonio are the class of the conference. OKC and the Clips will host their first round opponents. Dallas and Utah have the inside track over Houston for a spot in the post-season.
