The Portland Trail Blazers got into New Orleans for their Wednesday night game against the Pelicans later than usual, with inclement weather cancelling their first flight. But as the Pels learned shortly thereafter, when the ball tips, the only time that truly matters is “Dame Time.” Damian Lillard crafted an electrifying 43-point, 16-assist performance to help the Blazers win a 126-124 nail-biter, propelling them to a perfect three-game road stand.
From the opening tip, the Blazers didn’t look like the team in the middle of a competitive three-game road trip; Lillard himself took on the onus, building a 13-point highlight reel for himself before the game’s first commercial break.