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NBA Playoffs 2014: Portland Trail Blazers clinch playoff berth

By Josh Hill

Apr 1, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) heads down court after a 3 point basket during the second half of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. Trail Blazers won 124-112. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) heads down court after a 3 point basket during the second half of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. Trail Blazers won 124-112. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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Apr 1, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) heads down court after a 3 point basket during the second half of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. Trail Blazers won 124-112. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 1, 2014; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) heads down court after a 3 point basket during the second half of the game against the Los Angeles Lakers at Staples Center. Trail Blazers won 124-112. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /

After becoming one of the best teams in the NBA, the Portland Trail Blazers have fought back through their second half slump and have punched the third ticket in the Western Conference playoff picture. While almost all of the slots are filled in the Eastern Conference, things out West are more wide open and the Blazers have secured their place in the postseason.

Despite clinching a playoff berth in just his second season with the team, guard Damian Lillard is acting like he’s been there before.

Per OregonLive.com:

"“What, you wanted some champagne in here or something?” quipped Dorell Wright, who was the last player to leave a subdued, almost emotionless, locker room. “We’re just acting like we’ve been here before, you know what I mean? Keeping humble and trying to stay focused on getting better every day.”"

The only thing is, Lillard hasn’t been there before and neither have the Blazers for along time. They’ve come close to being a good team in the past but something always goes wrong. This season looks to be their first of many shots at a title and while they’re far from a safe bet, they’re at least int he playoffs and can now prepare for a potential title run.

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