Blazers clinch eighth seed, will face Warriors
The Portland Trail Blazers clinched the eighth seed in the Western Conference playoffs thanks to Russell Westbrook.
Portland's magic number heading into Sunday's slate was one, wherein a loss by the Denver Nuggets or win from the Trail Blazers would clinch the final playoff spot in the West.
Westbrook's absurd game-winning shot at the buzzer punched the Blazers' ticket, while simultaneously breaking hearts all across Denver. The MVP co-favorite finished with 50 points, 16 rebounds, and 10 assists for his 42nd triple-double of the season.
Thanks Russ ... you the real MVP ✊🏾
— CJ McCollum (@CJMcCollum) April 9, 2017
Portland will face the top-seeded Golden State Warriors in the first round. The two sides squared off last season, with a hobbled Warriors side winning 4-1 in the Western Conference semifinals.