AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostPortland Trail Blazers fan Devon Wilcox rocks "Beat Denver" faceprint before the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostMonte Morris (11) of the Denver Nuggets prepares for the Portland Trail Blazers before the first quarter on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets pats the heads of teammates as they pray before the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostJamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets prepares for the Portland Trail Blazers with teammates before the first quarter on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostMonte Morris (11) of the Denver Nuggets and Gary Harris (14) take the court before the first quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets and Paul Millsap (4) prepare for the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers faced off in game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostTorrey Craig (3) of the Denver Nuggets prepares for the Portland Trail Blazers before the first quarter on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostGary Harris (14) of the Denver Nuggets tugs on the jersey of CJ McCollum (3) of the Portland Trail Blazers as Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets provides help defense during the first quarter on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostTorrey Craig (3) of the Denver Nuggets gets up after taking contact against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostJamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets steals a loose ball from Enes Kanter (00) of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostGary Harris (14) of the Denver Nuggets and Nikola Jokic (15) force Enes Kanter (00) of the Portland Trail Blazers to pass to Damian Lillard (0) during the second quarter on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets defends Damian Lillard (0) of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostDamian Lillard (0) of the Portland Trail Blazers is fouled by Torrey Craig (3) of the Denver Nuggets during the second quarter on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostTorrey Craig (3) of the Denver Nuggets waits for the action to resume against the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostTorrey Craig (3) of the Denver Nuggets reacts to getting called for a foul on Damian Lillard (0) of the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostGary Harris (14) of the Denver Nuggets and Jamal Murray (27) help up Malik Beasley (25) after he slid into a photographer during the second quarter against the Portland Trail Blazers on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostDamian Lillard (0) of the Portland Trail Blazers waits for the action to resume against the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostGary Harris (14) of the Denver Nuggets fouls CJ McCollum (3) of the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
Michael Malone of the Denver Nuggets speaks to Gary Harris (14) and Jamal Murray (27) against the Portland Trail Blazers during the second quarter on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/The Denver Post)
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostGary Harris (14) of the Denver Nuggets steals the ball from Damian Lillard (0) of the Portland Trail Blazers during the first quarter on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostEnes Kanter (00) of the Portland Trail Blazers shoots over Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets during the first quarter on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostWill Barton (5) of the Denver Nuggets blocks Maurice Harkless (4) of the Portland Trail Blazers during the fourth quarter on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostEnes Kanter (00) of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts to being called for a foul on Nikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets as Damian Lillard (0) and Al-Farouq Aminu (8) help him to his feet during the fourth quarter on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostEnes Kanter (00) of the Portland Trail Blazers fights with Paul Millsap (4) of the Denver Nuggets and Torrey Craig (3) for a rebound during the fourth quarter on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostTorrey Craig (3) of the Denver Nuggets and Zach Collins (33) of the Portland Trail Blazers vie for a rebound during the fourth quarter on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostEnes Kanter (00) of the Portland Trail Blazers falls into the crowd against the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostDamian Lillard (0) of the Portland Trail Blazers on the court against the Denver Nuggets during the fourth quarter on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostDamian Lillard (0) of the Portland Trail Blazers makes a clutch layup as he blows past Torrey Craig (3) of the Denver Nuggets to tie the game during overtime on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostJamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets misses a deep three over Enes Kanter (00) of the Portland Trail Blazers to force another overtime during overtime on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostJamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets drives on Damian Lillard (0) of the Portland Trail Blazers during the fourth quarter on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostJamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets lies on the ground after making a difficult shot while taking contact from Damian Lillard (0) of the Portland Trail Blazers during the fourth quarter on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostPaul Millsap (4) of the Denver Nuggets and Damian Lillard (0) of the Portland Trail Blazers fight for the ball during the fourth quarter on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostJamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets saves the ball as Maurice Harkless (4) of the Portland Trail Blazers and Gary Harris (14) vie for it during the fourth quarter on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostJamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets reacts to making a three over Enes Kanter (00) of the Portland Trail Blazers during the fourth quarter on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostJamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets, Gary Harris (14) and Nikola Jokic (15) force a pass by Damian Lillard (0) of the Portland Trail Blazers during the fourth quarter on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostWill Barton (5) of the Denver Nuggets loses possession of the ball as Damian Lillard (0) of the Portland Trail Blazers defends during the fourth quarter on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostJamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets drives on Enes Kanter (00) of the Portland Trail Blazers during overtime on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostCJ McCollum (3) of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts to making a three against the Denver Nuggets during overtime on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostJamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets makes a three against the Portland Trail Blazers during overtime on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostJamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets makes a three against the Portland Trail Blazers during overtime on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostJamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets makes a three against the Portland Trail Blazers during overtime on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostDamian Lillard (0) of the Portland Trail Blazers dishes to CJ McCollum (3) as Will Barton (5) of the Denver Nuggets, Nikola Jokic (15) and Gary Harris (14) defend during overtime on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostDamian Lillard (0) of the Portland Trail Blazers plays to the crowd after a clutch shot against the Denver Nuggets during overtime on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostJamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets is tied up for a jump ball call by Damian Lillard (0) of the Portland Trail Blazers, CJ McCollum (3) and Maurice Harkless (4) during overtime on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostDamian Lillard (0) of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts to tying up Jamal Murray (27) of the Denver Nuggets for a jump ball call much to Murray's dismay during overtime on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostWill Barton (5) of the Denver Nuggets cannot wrangle an errant pass by Nikola Jokic (15) against the Portland Trail Blazers during overtime on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets reacts to throwing an errant pass out of bounds that was intended for Will Barton (5) agains the Portland Trail Blazers during overtime on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostMaurice Harkless (4) of the Portland Trail Blazers defends Will Barton (5) of the Denver Nuggets during overtime on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostGary Harris (14) of the Denver Nuggets reacts to fouling out against the Portland Trail Blazers during overtime on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostGary Harris (14) of the Denver Nuggets reacts to fouling out against the Portland Trail Blazers during overtime on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostWill Barton (5) of the Denver Nuggets reacts to being called for a foul against the Portland Trail Blazers during the fourth overtime of the Trailblazers' 140-137 win on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostCJ McCollum (3) of the Portland Trail Blazers defends Will Barton (5) of the Denver Nuggets during the fourth overtime of the Trailblazers' 140-137 win on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostRodney Hood (5) of the Portland Trail Blazers pump fakes Will Barton (5) of the Denver Nuggets before hitting the game-clinching three during the fourth overtime of the Trailblazers' 140-137 win on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostPortland Trail Blazers fans react to a game-clinching three by Rodney Hood (5) against the Denver Nuggets during the fourth overtime of the Trailblazers' 140-137 win on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostRodney Hood (5) of the Portland Trail Blazers hip bumps teammate Seth Curry (31) after hitting the game-clinching three against the Denver Nuggets during the fourth overtime of the Trailblazers' 140-137 win on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets is fouled against the Portland Trail Blazers, which would send him to the line where he would miss one of two free throws with a chance to tie late during the fourth overtime of the Trailblazers' 140-137 win on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets misses his first free throw as Damian Lillard (0) of the Portland Trail Blazers pumps his fist, which would prevent the Nuggets from tying the game late during the fourth overtime of the Trailblazers' 140-137 win on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver PostNikola Jokic (15) of the Denver Nuggets walks off the court after the fourth overtime of the Portland Trailblazers' 140-137 win on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
AAron Ontiveroz, The Denver Post
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Portland Trail Blazers fan Devon Wilcox rocks "Beat Denver" faceprint before the first quarter against the Denver Nuggets on Friday, May 3, 2019. The Denver Nuggets and the Portland Trailblazers game three of their second round NBA playoff series at the Moda Center in Portland.
ExpandBy AAron Ontiveroz | aontiveroz@denverpost.com | The Denver Post
PUBLISHED: | UPDATED:
Getting your player ready...
The Portland Trail Blazers played host to the Denver Nuggets in Game 3 in the second round NBA playoff series on May 4, 2019 in Portland.




























































