Damian Lillard

C.J. McCollum and Damian Lillard put on a show in 1st half of Game 1 vs. Warriors

Published Apr. 18, 2017 4:55 p.m. ET

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Nunzio Ingrassia

The popular choice for best backcourt in the league got an up-close look at what might be the best guard tandem in the NBA on Sunday. C.J. McCollum and Damian Lillard combined for 48 points in the first half – the most the Blazers’ star duo has combined to score before halftime in their careers – as Portland entered the break tied at 56 with the heavily favored Warriors.

McCollum hit 11 of his 15 shots, including 3 of 4 from deep, and scored 27 points while Lillard connected on 6 of his 11 shots for 21 points. Lillard hit one of his two 3s from a range that many believe is Steph Curry distance.

The Blazers’ Twitter account begged to differ.

https://twitter.com/trailblazers/status/853710415674564608

McCollum put on a show in a variety of ways in the first half.

https://twitter.com/trailblazers/status/853707717868900352

https://twitter.com/trailblazers/status/853703873218846720

https://twitter.com/trailblazers/status/853699338467368960

https://twitter.com/trailblazers/status/853696893372612608

The Blazers tandem, who led all backcourts by combining to average 50 points a game in the regular season, got little offensive help from their teammates, who combined to score just eight points on 3-of- 16 shooting. The Warriors’ backcourt of Curry and Klay Thompson was held somewhat in check, combining to score 20 points on 7-of-19 shooting, but Golden State’s depth offset any issues the Splash Brothers had in the first half.

The Warriors shot 50 percent from the floor, 90 percent from the free-throw line and 44 percent from deep – a recipe that usually leads to a big lead – but find themselves tied at the half.

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Damian Lillard

CJ McCollum

Golden State Warriors

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