RODNEY McGruder hit a 3-pointer with 26.5 seconds left, and Los Angeles beat Portland, 122-117, even with Kawhi Leonard resting on the bench on Saturday (Sunday, Manila time).
Portland had a chance to ensure a play-in for the Western Conference's final playoff berth and eliminate Sacramento with a win.
The Trail Blazers led much of the game, but the NBA's top-scoring team inside the bubble was outscored 12-2 in the final 96 seconds as Paul George also sat the final five minutes. George finished with 21 points. Landry Shamet scored 19 and Reggie Jackson added 17.
CJ McCollum led Portland with 29 points, shooting 6 of 13 from 3-point range. Gary Trent Jr. also made six 3s and finished with 22 points.
Damian Lillard had 22, Carmelo Anthony added 21 and Jusuf Nurkic had 10 points and 13 rebounds.
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