NBA: Lillard lifts Portland over Celtics in overtime

Boston Celtics’ Isaiah Thomas (4) reaches in to knock the ball away from Portland Trail Blazers’ Damian Lillard (0) during the overtime of Portland’s 127-123 win in an NBA basketball game in Boston Saturday, Jan. 21, 2017. AP

BOSTON, United States — Damian Lillard scored 28 points as the Portland Trail Blazers salvaged some pride at the end of a dreadful four-game road trip with a 127-123 overtime win over the Boston Celtics.

“That was a huge win, especially on this trip losing the first three,” said Lillard who scored 25 of his 28 points after halftime. “It was probably the toughest one on the trip.

“We showed some grit to go to overtime.”

Portland won Saturday despite 41 points by Boston’s Isaiah Thomas, including 21 in the fourth quarter and overtime as he continued his hot scoring streak.

“I told the guys whatever their record is, we all know they’re not a 19-27 team,” said Celtics coach Brad Stevens. “This is a team that was a fourth or fifth seed in the playoffs last year.”

The Celtics dropped to 26-17 on the season as they suffered their second straight home loss.

Lillard, who also had seven assists, scored six points late in the fourth quarter and then scored on a jumper, a three-point play and two free throws in overtime. He iced the game with foul shots with two seconds remaining.

CJ McCollum scored 26 of his 35 points in the first half.

Meyers Leonard scored a season-high 17 points and Al-Farouq Aminu had 13 points and seven rebounds. Mason Plumlee had 10 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists.

“We’re definitely taking our hits and our losses,” said Plumlee. “But it’s a good win, it’s just one win and something to feel good about going home.” CBB