LOS ANGELES (AFP) – CJ McCollum delivered 41 points as the Portland Trail Blazers edged the Denver Nuggets, 140-137, in four overtimes Friday in the longest NBA playoff game in 66 years.
The game featured 24 lead changes but the Blazers came out on top to take a 2-1 lead in the second round Western Conference series.
“I have never been involved a game like that in regular season or playoffs,” said Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts. “It was an amazing effort by both teams.”
It was just the second quadruple-overtime playoff game in NBA history, joining a 1953 game between the Boston Celtics and the Syracuse Nationals.
Damian Lillard added 28 points for Portland who can go up 3-1 with a victory in game four at home on Sunday.
“That was the craziest game I have ever been a part of,” said Lillard.
Jamal Murray scored 34 points, and Nikola Jokic collected 33 points, 18 rebounds and 14 assists for the Nuggets, who used their inside game to keep the score close in the extra sessions.
“We fought, we fought, we fought. That’s all you can ask for. It was a hell of basketball game by two very good basketball teams,” said Denver coach Mike Malone.
McCollum played over 60 minutes and connected on 16 of 39 field goals as he went on a run in the fourth quarter and the beginning of the first overtime. He said he wasn’t tired.
“This is what I am built for,” said McCollum. “This is why I condition all summer. That is why I work on my diet. That is why I get my sleep and my massages. “
