"Beep! Beep!" The final whistle rang out, sharp and clear, and Staples Center fell silent in an instant.
The Portland Trail Blazers had defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 108–98, winning this crucial Game 5 by ten points.
Before the season began, almost no one could have predicted this outcome.
After all, with their star LaMarcus Aldridge gone, most people thought the Portland Trail Blazers would struggle to make an impact in the fiercely competitive Western Conference—let alone reach the playoffs.
But the reality had left everyone stunned. Not only had they made the playoffs, they had also taken a 3–2 series lead over the formidable Los Angeles Clippers in the first round.
One key to the Portland Trail Blazers pulling off this seemingly impossible feat was the explosive breakout of third-year guard CJ McCollum.
In the regular season, the young guard had put up an impressive stat line, averaging 20.8 points, 3.2 rebounds, 4.3 assists, and 1.5 steals per game.
He and the team's star Damian Lillard had been a perfect match, leading the Portland Trail Blazers on a furious charge to the playoffs.
In the just-concluded Game 5, CJ McCollum and Damian Lillard had been utterly dominant, combining for 49 points and leading their team to a hard-fought victory in the pivotal game.
The very next day, the Portland Trail Blazers returned to their home court, riding high on momentum and ready to press their advantage, win again, eliminate the Los Angeles Clippers, and march into the second round.
At that moment, the entire city was filled with excitement and anticipation. Fans flocked to the arena, eager to witness their team make history.
But the Los Angeles Clippers had no intention of meekly bowing out in the first round.
And so, the two teams clashed in a breathtaking, fiercely