Did the Blazers make the playoffs? Damian Lillard’s side beat the Grizzlies by 4 points in the play-in game and that was enough to make the playoffs.
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Damian Lillard and the Blazers stepped on the court tonight with a simple mission. They wanted to wrap up the play-in tournament tonight and tonight itself, so as to get some rest before their playoff 1st round vs Lakers.
The Grizzlies on the other hand had to win tonight, as a loss would have sent them packing. The intensity was that of a playoff game with Ja Morant leading the way for Grizzlies and Lillard and McCollum combining to get Blazers over the line.
Also Read: Skip Bayless criticises Damian Lillard once again
However, as most fans have been confused with the play-in game rules, there are still questions about Blazers making the playoffs with tonight’s win.
Did Blazers make the playoffs?
Yes, the Blazers have made the playoffs with tonight’s play-in game win vs Grizzlies. The play-in tournament rules stated that the 8th seeded team(which was the Blazers) had to win just 1 out of the 2 games, in order to qualify for the playoffs.
RIP CITY, WE MADE IT! pic.twitter.com/jcZliq1bRa
— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) August 15, 2020
The 9th seeded team(which were the Grizzlies) on the other hand had to win both the games in the play-in tournament in order to make the playoffs.
And thus, with tonight’s loss, Grizzlies go home and Blazers secure a first round playoff spot vs the 1st seed, Lakers
Blazers vs Grizzlies Play-in game
It was an exhibition of grit and determination tonight by both teams, fighting it out with playoff intensity to get a shot at making the playoffs.
Grizzlies led for a large part of the game, but CJ McCollum came to the party in the 4th quarter to hand Blazers the win.
Ja Morant dominated the scoring for Grizzlies and was responsible for setting up most of their offense. Lillard tonight did not really go off with his scoring, as the Grizzlies kept a good defensive check on him. However, that put the onus on McCollum, Gary Trent Jr and Melo to take up the offensive mantle. And on a night as big as this, they did so perfectly.
The Blazers would relish the extra day off before the post-season begins on Tuesday.
