The Trail Blazers have willed their way to two timely wins in a row to stop a seven-game losing streak, their longest since 2015. Portland did just enough this week to stay within play-in contention but will need to build momentum and keep streaking to grind back into better positioning in the Western Conference playoff picture.
It took big minutes and characteristically big games from Damian Lillard, who after a slow start to the season, appears to be back in superstar form. Dame has scored 75 points in as many minutes over the last two wins including a season-high 43 points against Charlotte.