----- The Trail Blazers score 43 points in the third quarter and cruise to an easy victory over the Memphis Grizzlies Sunday night at Moda Center.
The Portland Trail Blazers have clinched a playoff spot. With Utah's win earlier on Sunday, the Blazers will be making their fifth-straight trip to the post season. This news coming down in the first half of Portland's 113-98 win over the Memphis Grizzlies Sunday night at Moda Center.
''I told the team, one thing I like about Major League Baseball is when they clinch something, they celebrate. Unfortunately, we don't do that as much as we probably should,'' Blazers coach Terry Stotts said. ''Clinching the playoffs, being in the playoffs five straight years is a good accomplishment, is one of our goals at the beginning of the season. We still have some more goals to accomplish, but it's something everybody should be proud of.''
Damian Lillard led the Blazers in scoring with 27 points and he added nine assists. Portland (48-29) blew the game open by tying a season-high with 43 points in the third quarter. Evan Turner added 17 points and Al-Farouq Aminu recorded a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds. the two combined to hit 5-for-10 from three-point range.
With the win, Portland moved their lead to three games over San Antonio for third place in the Western Conference playoff standings. The magic number for the Blazers to clinch the third seed is now three games. The Blazers are 16-3 since the All Star break and have won 20 of their last 23 games at Moda Center.
Former Oregon Duck, Dillon Brooks led Memphis (21-56) with 27 points. It is the fifth time this season he has scored 20 or more points.
NEXT UP- The Trail Blazers begin a four-game road trip Tuesday night in Dallas against the Mavericks. The game is scheduled to tip off at 5:30 PM.
Chad's Take- Never gets old clinching a playoff spot. #RipCity