WATCH: Lillard hits buzzer beater three to lift Blazers to second round

PORTLAND, USA – Damian Lillard hit the series clinching three-point shot as time expired and the Portland Trail Blazers beat Houston 99-98 to reach the second round of the playoffs.

“It came down to one play and we were able to make one play and win the series,” Lillard said.

Portland advanced to the second round of the postseason for the first time in 14 years by beating the Rockets four games to three.

The Rockets appeared to be heading to a victory and a game seven after Chandler Parsons scored on a reverse layup under the basket with 0.9 seconds left in the fourth.

But then Nicolas Batum inbounded the ball to Lillard, whose shot from near the top of the arc over Parsons sailed cleanly through the rim and set off a wild celebration.

“I figured it would be tough to get my hands on the ball,” Lillard said. “I raised up and snapped my wrist. I got a good look and I am so excited to win.”

The Trail Blazers won their first playoff series since May 16, 2000 when they beat Utah in five games. They had dropped seven consecutive series.

Portland will next face the winner of the San Antonio and Dallas series. That first-round series is headed for a seventh game Sunday in San Antonio. – Rappler.com