Playbook mechanics: Dissecting Damian Lillard's series-ending buzzer-beater
This game-winning shot from Damian Lillard propelled Portland to the second round of the playoffs. (Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
On Friday night, Damian Lillard ended the Rockets' season in cold blood. With just 0.9 seconds standing between Houston, which led 98-96 at the time, and an anything-could-happen Game 7, Lillard curled around the three-point arc and made a clean catch. He rose and fired with plenty of time to spare and with his defender, Chandler Parsons, a full step behind. When Lillard's shot fell through the net, Parsons slumped onto the scorer's table. The series was done, Houston's run was over, and Portland would advance to the next round of the playoffs through a scene of blistering screams and streaming confetti.
DOLLINGER: Lillard’s buzzer-beater marks NBA playoffs’ latest prize
How, though, did that incredible shot come to be? Let's walk through the initial setup, with some help from those involved.
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