Lillard lifts Blazers over Cavs

Damian Lillard. AP FILE PHOTO

CLEVELAND — Damian Lillard’s eighth three-pointer came in the nick of time, lifting the surging Portland Trail Blazers to a dramatic 119-116 NBA victory over Cleveland on Tuesday.

The basket proved to be the fourth game-winner of the season for Lillard, who delivered 36 points, 10 assists and eight rebounds for the Blazers — who posted their fifth straight victory and their ninth in 10 games.

Portland led by 10 with two minutes left to play, but Kyrie Irving keyed a Cavs rally that saw the hosts pull level with 7.1 seconds left.

Lillard, however, had the last word, dribbling most of the time off the clock and firing over Alonzo Gee for the basket.

Irving’s last gasp long-range effort bounced off the rim as Cleveland’s four-game home winning streak ended.

He and Dion Waiters scored 25 points each to lead the Cavaliers, Irving also handing out 10 assists in the defeat.

Portland also received 26 points and 15 rebounds from LaMarcus Aldridge, 19 points from Wesley Matthews and 14 points and nine rebounds from Nicolas Batum.