The Western Conference is getting slightly crazy as the race for the playoffs has turned into one of the most competitive and unpredictable battles in recent seasons.Below the top two teams - the Houston Rockets and Golden State Warriors - there are eight teams fighting it out for six remaining positions to make it to the postseason.Over the last week, there have been many changes in the standings but one team who has stayed consistent is the Portland Trail Blazers.It may come as a surprise to many, but the Blazers currently occupy the number three spot in the west and with the way they've been playing recently, they have every chance of finishing the regular season in that position.

Making their mark

With the Minnesota Timberwolves losing Jimmy Butler and the San Antonio Spurs and Oklahoma City Thunder slumping, Portland has hit form at the right time and taken full advantage.

With 16 games left to play, they look as likely as any team to hold onto hold court advantage over the final month of the campaign.

They are currently on a nine-game winning streak and secured their second consecutive home win over the Golden State Warriors on Friday night.

As usual, their offence has been powered by their dynamic and prolific backcourt duo of Damian Lillard and C.J. McCollum but their recent success has come on the defensive end.

The Blazers have often been criticised for their defence as a team and it has been one of their main weaknesses in recent years, but they've finally addressed it and they look like an elite team as a result.

According to NBA.com, they rank seventh in defensive rating this season and it has been a huge catalyst for their impressive 40-26 record.

Over the last couple of years, the Trail Blazers have been sneaking into the playoffs - largely thanks to their offence - and have struggled to compete with the best teams in the west with their inability to get stops on a regular basis.

Over their last 10 games, however, they have secured wins over the Warriors, Thunder and Timberwolves which shows that they are now in a position to challenge the best teams and place themselves firmly in that top bracket.

But there is still no doubt that none of this would be possible without the outstanding play of their superstar Lillard.

Dame Time

The three-time All-Star has been on a tear during the Blazers' impressive recent stretch.

Lillard has scored 35 or more points in six of the last 10 games. In the eight games since the All-Star break, he's been especially dominant, averaging over 30 points and almost five assists and five rebounds.

His performance against the Los Angeles Lakers earlier in the week was particularly special and saw him receive the recognition and plaudits that he rarely does.

With Portland trailing by 11 in the fourth quarter, the 27-year-old knew what time it was.

He scored 19 points in the final seven minutes and 39 seconds, which included four consecutive three-pointers in less than two insane minutes to help his team overcome the deficit and stun the Lakers 108-103 at Staples Center.

"I expect things for myself. Regardless of how the game is going, I am always going to feel like when the time comes, I can make it happen," Lillard said after the game, per ESPN.

He has arguably been the league's best point guard in the last month and it has coincided with the Oregon-based franchise establishing themselves as a force in the west.

But with the playoff race becoming a fierce battle, the Trail Blazers can't afford to rest on their laurels now as a few losses can see them potentially drop to seventh or eighth, which shows just how tight things are.

They have hit form at the right time, though, and with a ruthless and determined Lillard leading them, they deserve to be taken seriously.