C.J. McCollum scored a career-high 27 points as the Portland Trail Blazers routed the hapless Los Angeles Lakers 107-77 on Friday night, clinching the division title in the process.
Portland claimed the Northwest Division title earlier on Friday thanks to the Memphis Grizzlies’ 100-92 win over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
It is the first time the Trail Blazers have won the division since finishing in a tie with Denver during the 2008-2009 season.
McCollum said the team need to keep extending their leads to make a deep run in the post-season.
“When you get a chance, you are hungry and you want to make your best impression,” McCollum said. “I want to come in and make an impact on the game.”
Damian Lillard and Arron Afflalo had with 20 and 17 points respectively, while LaMarcus Aldridge tallied 14 points and eight rebounds in Portland’s fifth win in their past six contests.
Jordan Clarkson finished with 27 points, seven rebounds and five assists, while Wesley Johnson had 11 points and 15 rebounds for the Lakers, who have lost four of their last five games. Jeremy Lin had 24 minutes, 47 seconds of game time, scoring four points.
The Lakers will miss the postseason in consecutive seasons for the first time since 1976.
In other games on Friday, it was:
‧ Nets 114, Raptors 109
‧ Magic 97, Timberwolves 84
‧ Spurs 123, Nuggets 93
‧ Wizards 101, Knicks 87
‧ Bulls 88, Pistons 82
‧ Pacers 93, Hornets 74
‧ Bucks 110, Celtics 101
‧ Pelicans 101, Kings 95
Additional reporting by staff writer
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