NBA Power Rankings: Spurs, Warriors Prepare For Second-Round Test In Playoffs

Apr 23, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Gerald Henderson (9) shoots over Los Angeles Clippers center Cole Aldrich (45) in game three of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Mandatory Credit: Jaime Valdez-USA TODAY Sports

12. Portland Trail Blazers (1-2)

After dropping the first two on the road to the Los Angeles Clippers, the Portland Trail Blazers really needs some home cooking. And that’s exactly what they got in their Game 3 win over the Clippers.

Led by Damian Lillard‘s game-high 32 points, the Blazers managed to show some life in what had been an otherwise dominant first two games by the Clippers. And now, this has the potential to be the series that we all expected it to be. This was the one matchup that we all thought had the potential to be competitive in the Western Conference.

For one game, at least, it was.

Question is, how long can Lillard and C.J. McCollum keep the Blazers competitive. Eventually, the Clippers’ talent will certainly overtake this matchup. Game 4 should be very interesting.

Next: Charlotte Hornets