RESPECT HIS F'ING NAME. True. Respect CJ McCollum.I know the narrative is already splashing about the monster game from the grieving Jusuf Nurkic. And we will get to it soon. But at what point do fans of the NBA realize how good CJ McCollum is. Damian Lillard has spawned an epic series of legendary plays and games. But when it came down to the plays needed to clincNh a shot in the play-offs, CJ was about to create a legend of his own.

CJ shares a trait with Melo: When either is hot, there is no such thing as a bad shot. Portland was down 3 with just over 3 minutes to go. McCollum plants his shoulder into Morant and steps back and nails a 3! Next time down he dishes to Melo for an open 3. Melo misses, but Nurk grabs the rebound for a 3 point play (his 20-20 moment). Next time down, CJ buries another step back 3 from the top of the key!! Next time down, he takes yet another tough 2 and buries it!!! 119-113. At crunch time in an elimination game, CJ McCollum took over. Again.

Notice who wasn't making plays: Damian Lillard. These 2 have so much trust that Dame had no problem trusting the game to his backcourt partner. Bad back and all, CJ had supreme confidence and nailed down the game. The late 8 point flurry capped a 14 point fourth quarter on the way to 29 for McCollum.

I know people consider some of the CJ trade talk as a sign of disrespect. I disagree. I am still not sure we know exactly how good CJ McCollum is or can be. He reminds me of Bradley Beal in Washington. It took the prolonged absence of John Wall for us to realize that Beal is not Robin. He is a freakin' Batman. Moments like this remind us of the same point with CJ.

NURKIC IS AN ALL-NBA CENTER. Maybe.In his first action since his horrific injury 18 months ago, we all assumed that Nurk would help. But it is not fair to expect what we have gotten from the Bosnian Beast. How would he react to the Covid death of his grandmother? Would it serve as an inspiration or a distraction? An even bigger distraction is the massive Jonas Valanciunas. Today Jusuf reminded us exactly what the Blazers have missed without him.

The stats were as massive as the Blazers center's frame: 22 points on 8-14 shooting, 2-3 from deep, 21 boards including 6 offensive, 6 assists, 2 blocks and 2 steals. Only Nurk's 5 turnovers and poor free throw shooting (4-9) marred the night. Jusuf also sets massive screens which take defenders weeks to climb over.

Last game Whiteside was wonderful complementing Nurk. Not so tonight. Portland's huge early lead disappeared in a Valanciunas flurry in the 2nd quarter with Hassan in the game. In an odd stat, the 2 Euro centers who both had great games and went head to head most of the game both had large +/-: Jonas was +12, while Nurk was +18.

We have talked over the years about "good" and "bad" Nurk. If Jusuf Nurkic could extend his bubble play over a full season, he would have a great shot at making an all-NBA team.

PORTLAND DESERVED TO LOSE THIS GAME. True.Ball don't lie. (Well actually it often does). But stats usually tell the tale of a game. And the key stats belonged to the Grizz: Portland shot a pedestrian 45% from the field and 37.5% from behind the arc. Memphis shot 49% and a red hot 56% from deep. Despite Portland's size and Nurk's heroics, the Grizzlies out-rebounded the Blazers by 10 and grabbed 12 offensive boards. 20 assists for Portland to 30 for Memphis. The Grizz trusted their bench with more minutes (to keep their starter fresh) and received an outstanding performance from Brandon Clarke.

Memphis did turn the ball over 18 times, including some vital giveaways down the stretch. Portland scored 17 extra points from the free throw line. Some how, some way, Portland managed to turn an 8 point 4th quarter deficit into a win.

MEMPHIS HAD A GREAT GAME PLAN AND DECENT EXECUTION. True.After a horrific start, the Grizzlies settled down and played an outstanding game. Ja Morant is already a dominant force in this league. When he improves his shot, it's game over. (Although Portland had a couple of 2nd half lapses that allowed the most dangerous man in the game to get right to the rim.). Dillon Brooks played a wonderful defensive game on Lillard. Yes, Dame got his points (31) and buried some 3's (5 in 14 shots). But Lillard was limited to 1(!) shot inside the arc, a vicious dunk in traffic. Memphis was physical on the Blazers point guard on his drives, and Dame ended up 14-14 from the line.

Love the young talent on this Grizz team. Morant for sure. Jackson, Jr., Brooks and Clarke add to the young core. Valenciunas holds things together in the middle and Kyle Anderson had a great game. The future is bright for this team, but the off-season starts now>

FINAL GRADE: Trent, Jr. only had 8 points, but his impact was massive: 5 steals, 2 blocks, and the only one on the team who could engage with Morant at all. Hezonja came in and hoisted 4 3-pointers in 7 minutes, making 1. No. No. No. Mario sat the whole 2nd half. Collins went out with an inflamed ankle. Gabriel gave Portland a decent 9 minutes (and will get some run at LeBron in a few days.) Melo shot poorly (5-15) but bulled his way to 21 points. Lillard has 31 and 10 and it feels like a quiet game. He has set the bar that high. Offense isn't the problem for the top ranked O in the bubble. The defense has GOT to be better. If it can. It was will, it was experience, it was a team that has been there before that mattered down the stretch. And a guy named CJ who said that he plays 2nd fiddle to no one. A flawed but glorious win. Any win that allows you to advance is a great win: A+