The Trail Blazers were up nearly 30 points in the closing minutes of the Game 4, in large part to the stellar play of Norman Powell.

On a night when Damian Lillard scored just 10 points, it was Powell who came in clutch, adding 29 points on 11-of-15 shooting. He was a perfect 4-of-4 from three-point range and 3-of-3 from the charity stripe.

As he walked to the bench for a final time Saturday night, the Moda Center crowd rose to their feet. “Norman Powell” chants rang through the rafters.

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It was certainly a special moment for Powell, who became a Trail Blazer just two months ago when he was acquired via a trade with the Toronto Raptors.  

After the game, Powell was asked about his love for Rip City. He admitted he didn’t realize what the fans were saying initially until his teammates began taking part in the chants as well.

“I thought it was really dope,” Powell said. “They got a little smile out of me. I don’t smile often when I’m locked into the game.”

Powell admitted it doesn’t take much for him to get up for games like these. The Blazers being down 2-1 in the series was exactly the fuel he needed.

“I told myself, we’re not losing this game,” Powell said. “First two plays or so, I told em’ I’m on them tonight.”  

With the first-round series now tied up at two apiece, the Blazers will head back to Denver to take on the Nuggets for Game 5. Tip off for Tuesday’s game is set for 6:00 p.m.