NBA: Damian Lillard makes 11 triples for 45, Blazers win crucial game [VIDEO]

Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard caught fire Thursday, knocking down 11 triples en route to 45 points as they defeated the Denver Nuggets, 125-115 in a crucial game.

Lillard shot 11/18 from long distance and also dished out 12 assists. Jusuf Nurkic added 22 points.

Michael Porter Jr. continued his stellar play and led the Nuggets with 27 points and 12 boards.

The Blazers are now 32-38 with the win, just half a game behind the 32-37 Memphis Grizzlies for the 8th spot in the Western Conference.

More importantly, the Blazers kept their distance from the streaking Phoenix Suns (30-39) and San Antonio Spurs (29-38).

Only the 9th seed has a chance to be in the playoffs via a play-in round where they have to beat the 8th seed twice for the final spot.

But it looks like Portland will even overtake Memphis with just a few games left in the NBA bubble in Orlando.