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Damian Lillard, Trail Blazers escape with win vs. Nets to reach play-in round

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Damian Lillard, Trail Blazers escape with win vs. Nets to reach play-in round

LAKE BUENA VISTA, Fla. — Ninety-one seconds into the fourth quarter of a recreation that will determine the Portland Trail Blazers’ destiny, Damian Lillard took one step over half court docket and launched a 3-pointer that felt as if it traveled midway to Oregon.

Like so a lot of Lillard’s different exceptional performs over the previous two weeks, the ball dropped softly by the ring. In response, the Brooklyn Nets known as timeout. And whereas the Blazers nonetheless trailed by 4 at that time, it felt inevitable that Lillard — the undisputed MVP of this NBA bubble on the Walt Disney World Resort — would discover a method to save Portland yet one more time.

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Ultimately, he did simply that, ending with 42 factors — together with 12 within the fourth quarter — to raise Portland to a heart-stopping 134-133 victory over the Nets, and with it incomes the Blazers the eighth seed within the Western Convention and a spot this weekend within the NBA’s first play-in event.

“I simply did not need to be too passive,” Lillard mentioned afterward. “So, as I used to be bringing the ball up, I mentioned, ‘As quickly as I see a chance, I am gonna increase up.’”

It was a preposterous shot — identical to many others Lillard has thrown in over the previous two weeks in main Portland to a 6-2 document, permitting the Blazers to end a half-game forward of the Memphis Grizzlies, their opponent within the play-in round this weekend, and the Phoenix Suns. And Portland has wanted each single considered one of them, as Lillard scored 51 factors to beat the Philadelphia 76ers, 61 factors to beat the Dallas Mavericks and now 42 factors to beat the Nets — video games the Blazers gained by a mixed seven factors.

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“We wanted each considered one of [those points],” Blazers coach Terry Stotts mentioned with a smile.

He wasn’t kidding, as Lillard turned the primary participant in NBA historical past to rating a minimum of 40 factors in three consecutive video games his crew gained by three or fewer factors, in accordance to Elias Sports activities Bureau knowledge.

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However when Stotts met with his crew after Thursday evening’s recreation, it wasn’t Lillard’s Three from half court docket that he confirmed the crew, nor was it Gary Trent Jr.’s big corner 3-pointer with over two minutes to play that gave Portland the lead or Jusuf Nurkic’s layup or CJ McCollum’s key midrange jumper that followed it.

Instead, he showed the team a pair of plays: Lillard diving on the floor at half court for a loose ball, and Nurkic doing the same on the baseline to secure a defensive rebound.

“Those are the things we have to do to win games,” Stotts said. “Those plays, those two plays, made a difference.”

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As a result, Portland has found its way into the league’s inaugural play-in tournament, where, as the eighth seed, the Blazers have to win just one of the two potential play-in games (Saturday at 2:30 p.m. ET on ABC and Sunday at 4:30 p.m. ET on ) in order to face the Los Angeles Lakers in the first round of the NBA playoffs. The Grizzlies, on the other hand, have to win both games to make the postseason.

While the two teams in the hunt for play-in berths that won earlier Thursday — the Grizzlies and Suns — scored victories against depleted Milwaukee Bucks and Mavericks teams, respectively, that were preparing for the playoffs, the Blazers got a full effort from the Nets.

Brooklyn will play the Toronto Raptors beginning Tuesday in the first round of the playoffs, but after the Nets have had guys in and out of the lineup over the past several weeks, they chose to play their full rotation its typical allotment of minutes in order to get ready.

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“We’ll have our starting lineup that we’ve had the last couple games and see how those guys progress,” Nets coach Jacque Vaughn said before the game. “We’ll monitor those guys — but it’s about us having a rhythm and kind of progression as we lead into the playoffs.

“So we’ll assess the game, see what the game renders, but those guys have the mental makeup right now that they’re playing a competitive basketball game.”

The Nets kept that focus throughout, as Caris LeVert (37 points on 16-for-29 shooting with 9 assists) led Brooklyn to a 10-point lead late in the third quarter. The Nets as a team shot a scorching 59.7% from the field through three quarters against Portland’s flammable defense, which entered Thursday’s game ranked 21st in defensive efficiency.

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But Portland, as it did against both Philadelphia and Dallas, fought back and took the lead with 1 minute, 45 seconds remaining on a layup by Nurkic that made it 132-130 Blazers, and McCollum doubled the lead with a free throw line jumper with 53.4 seconds left following a frantic sequence in which Nurkic and Lillard both dove on those loose balls.

The Blazers gave up a multitude of offensive rebounds in the fourth, however, and it appeared that would come back to cost Portland dearly when LeVert scored over Nurkic, plus drew a foul, with 37.7 seconds left, cutting Portland’s lead to 134-133.

Portland had a chance to seal the game when Carmelo Anthony had a wide-open look in the corner that would have pushed the lead back to four, but Anthony missed. Brooklyn then came down and chose to play for the win, with LeVert isolated against McCollum — whom he had relentlessly attacked in the fourth quarter.

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But though LeVert got off a quality shot, it went wanting, and Portland was able to breathe a huge sigh of relief.

“As far as the shot, I just try to read the defense,” LeVert said. “I feel like they playing the drive, I got to watch it again, but these are all shots I practice each and every day so I’ll live with that shot.”

None of that will matter, though, to Portland. Instead, the focus for the Blazers will be only to try to rest and recuperate for Saturday’s game against Memphis — and, potentially, the matchup with LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the Lakers waiting after it.

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If anyone thinks Portland is celebrating its accomplishment of reaching the play-in round, think again. The Blazers have bigger things in mind.

“I would say that we were happy [and] relieved. We’re excited to be in the play-in round. [But] it’s not like we were jumping up and down,” Stotts said.

“We are where we wanted to be. I don’t think anybody is over the moon right now. We know that we got a tough opponent in Memphis, so there was no real time to celebrate.”

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Rather than celebrating, Lillard had something else in mind: a postgame ice bath to begin preparing his body for Saturday’s showdown with the Grizzlies. But he said his mind was already raring to go.

“I’ll always be ready mentally,” Lillard said. “I’m never concerned about that.”

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Who is KSI’s Girlfriend? Who Is The Influencer and Professional Boxer Dating?

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Who is KSI's Girlfriend? Who Is Influencer and Professional Boxer Dating?

Who is KSI?

KSI, born Olajide Olayinka Williams Olatunji, is a multifaceted personality known for his success on YouTube, where he initially gained fame through gaming commentary videos. Over the years, he has expanded his career into music, boxing, and various other ventures, amassing a massive following and establishing himself as a prominent figure in the online world.

Is KSI Dating Anyone?

KSI’s romantic life has been a topic of interest among fans, with speculation and rumors swirling around his relationships. While he has been linked to several individuals in the past, including Seana Cuthbert, Lois Sharpe, and Anne Marie, his current relationship status has remained relatively private.

Who is KSI’s Girlfriend?

For the past few years, KSI has been rumored to be in a long-term relationship with a mystery girlfriend, whose identity he has chosen to keep confidential. Despite occasional glimpses into their relationship, particularly in his Amazon Prime documentary, KSI has made a concerted effort to shield his partner from the spotlight, respecting her desire for privacy.

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KSI Family: Parents

KSI’s upbringing is rooted in a close-knit family, with his Nigerian father, Jide Olatunji, and British mother, Yinka Olatunji, playing pivotal roles in shaping his life. He also has a younger brother, Deji Olatunji, who is known for his own endeavors in the online sphere.

KSI Career and Net Worth

Beyond his personal life, KSI has achieved remarkable success in his career, with ventures ranging from YouTube content creation to music production and professional boxing. According to Celebrity Net Worth, His net worth, estimated to be around $600 million, reflects the immense popularity and financial success he has garnered over the years.

KSI: Height and Weight

Physically, KSI stands tall at 6 feet, with a weight that aligns with the boxing cruiserweight limit of 200 pounds. His stature, combined with his athleticism, has contributed to his success both in the ring and on various digital platforms.

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Also Read: Anthony Kiedis Net Worth 2024: How Much is the American musician and singer-songwriter Worth?

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Who is Zay Flowers’s girlfriend? Who is the American football wide receiver dating?

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Who is Zay Flowers's girlfriend? Who is the American football wide receiver dating?

Who is Zay Flowers?

Zay Flowers, born Xavien Kevonn Flowers on September 11, 2000, is a prominent American football wide receiver known for his exceptional skills and dynamic playing style. Hailing from Fort Lauderdale, Florida, Flowers made a name for himself through his outstanding performances both in high school and college football.

Is Zay Flowers Dating Anyone?

Yes, Zay Flowers is in a relationship with Ruby Antonioli. The couple met during their college years at Boston College and have been together since around 2020. Ruby Antonioli, while maintaining a relatively low profile, has been seen supporting Zay at his games and sharing moments of their relationship on social media.

Who is Zay Flowers’s Girlfriend

Zay Flowers’s girlfriend, Ruby Antonioli, is a supportive partner who shares his passion for football. While details about her personal and professional life are scarce, her presence in Zay’s life is evident through their shared moments and public appearances.

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Zay Flowers Family: Parents

Zay Flowers was born to Willie Flowers and Jackie Walden. Unfortunately, Zay lost his mother to a head injury when he was a child, leaving his father as the sole provider for their large family. Zay’s upbringing, marked by his father’s hard work and dedication, has shaped him into the determined athlete he is today.

Zay Flowers Career

Flowers’s football journey began at NSU University School, where he excelled as a wide receiver and cornerback. He continued to impress during his college years at Boston College, earning accolades such as All-ACC selections and gaining recognition as a top prospect for the NFL draft.

Zay Flowers’s Net Worth

While specific details about Zay Flowers’s net worth are not readily available, his successful career as a professional football player, coupled with lucrative contracts, suggests a promising financial future for the young athlete.

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Zay Flowers: Height and Weight

Zay Flowers stands at 5 feet 10 inches (178 cm) tall and weighs approximately 182 lbs (83 kg). Despite being considered undersized for his position, Flowers has worked on bulking up his physique to meet the demands of professional football.

Also Read: Who is Kyle Hamilton’s Girlfriend? Who Is The American Football Safety Dating?

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Ryan Garcia Engaged to Australian Pornstar Savannah Bond, Says She’s Pregnant with His Child

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Ryan Garcia engaged to Australian pornstar Savannah Bond, discusses their pregnancy

Former WBC interim lightweight champion Ryan Garcia recently announced his engagement to pornstar Savannah Bond. He revealed the news on his Twitter account, stating that her love has pushed him to work hard for his upcoming fight.

“SHE SAID YESS!!!!!! [ring emoji] IM SO HAPPY AND MOTIVATED GOING INTO MY FIGHT NOW LETS GOOOOOOO LETS GO FOREEAL SHES MY WIFE OR FUTURE WIFEY BUT STILL VERY VERY HAPPY EVERYONE HAVE A GREAT DAY SAV G [blue heart emojis x8]”

Ryan Garcia engaged to Savannah Bond

Additionally, he also revealed that he and Savannah Bond are expecting their first child together.

“You weren’t supposed to say that tho Bruh You can’t say these things But yes she is preggy”

Apart from that, Garcia has three children from his past relationship: two daughters and one son named Henry Leo Garcia from his former wife, Andrea Celina.

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At that time, He received a huge backlash when he announced his divorce just hours after the birth of his son.

Also Read: Ryan Garcia Tweets About Him Dating Kylie Jenner, Netizens Confused Online

It should be noted that he is known for his erratic behavior.

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Right after he made the tweet, Ryan attracted a lot of criticism, especially from Christian followers, for dating a pornstar, Savannah Bond, when in the past he spoke about Jesus and his preachings.

He once claimed that he knew more about the Quran than David Haney, a renowned Muslim personality.

He also made many weird claims on his social media accounts. In the past, he stated that he knew how to cure cancer by just drinking coffee, fasting, and water.

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Ryan Garcia is a famous American boxer born on 8 August 1998. Back in 2021, he won the World Boxing Council (WBC) interim lightweight title. Also, in 2023, The Ring magazine placed Ryan as the world’s fourth-best active lightweight boxer.

Also Read: Fifi Titi’s Private Video Leaked by Boyfriend On Internet, Mai Titi Defends

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