Trail Blazers Beat Heat, 115-104

The visiting Portland Trail Blazers took down the Miami Heat on Sunday, 115-114.
Portland (32-37) is now 8-3 in its last 11 games as it fights for the eighth
seed in a still-open Western Conference. Leading the Blazers to take down the
Heat was star point guard Damian Lillard, who dominated throughout with a
season-high 49 points. Lillard went an astounding 14-of-21 from the field,
including 9-of-12 from three-point range, and 12-of-12 from the free-throw line.
Trade deadline acquisition Jusuf Nurkic also impressed, scoring 21 points to go
along with 12 rebounds, six of which came on the offensive end. Nurkic also
blocked three shots. All in all, the Blazers appeared to have found their stride
as the race for the playoff race has heated up. Miami (34-36) has been one of
the hottest teams in the league, but fell down to ninth place with the loss to
Portland. Defense was a major problem for the Heat, as they allowed the Blazers
to shoot over 50 percent and hit 13-of-26 from three-point range. While center
Hassan Whiteside blocked three shots and had two steals, he had major issues on
the defensive end, as he picked up five personal fouls. Off the bench, the Heat
saw the majority of their offensive output. Sixth man James Johnson poured in a
team-high 24 points to go along with seven rebounds and five assists. On
Tuesday, Miami will host the Suns, while Portland will host the Bucks.