The Philadelphia 76ers went into their final game of 2018 with a lot going against them.
They faced a Portland Trail Blazers team very tough to beat on its home floor. Rip City features two small, high-scoring athletic guards in C.J. McCollum and Damian Lillard who can score off the dribble. In case you have not watched a Sixers game this season, those kind of players torch the 76ers just about every time.
They did once again as McCollum, who had been in a slump, poured in 35 points (26 in first half) with Lillard chipping in 15 points.