LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. -- When the idea of the NBA creating a bubble at the Walt Disney World Resort was first floated, Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard had one request: that if he was asked to come play in Orlando, the NBA give him the opportunity to make the playoffs.
Lillard and the Blazers were given that opportunity -- and he made sure they took advantage of it.
While it might not have been of the same vintage as his 51- and 61-point explosions in the prior two games, Lillard finished with 42 points Thursday night -- including 12 in the fourth quarter -- as Portland eked out a 134-133 victory over the Brooklyn Nets to earn the second spot in the league's inaugural play-in tournament this weekend.