The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the San Antonio Spurs 111-110 on Sunday in a dramatic finish at the Moda Center.After a recent slump, it was the Blazers' second straight win after overcoming the Atlanta Hawks in their previous outing.But their win over the Spurs had to come the hard way and was extra sweet as they were without All-Star point guard Damian Lillard, who was ruled out with a calf strain.In his absence, the responsibility fell on his backcourt partner C.J. McCollum to lead the team and he didn't disappoint.The shooting guard finished with a team-high 25 points on 11-of-24 from the field.He also came up big when his team needed him most in the closing stages of the contest with the game on the line.With the Spurs leading by one, Portland had possession with 5.9 seconds remaining and put the ball in the hands of McCollum to make a play.The 26-year-old drove to the basket and hit a floater over former Blazers big man LaMarcus Aldridge that seemed to bounce around the rim for an eternity before finally dropping through the hoop to the delight of the home fans who had held a collective breath.

"It didn't want to go in. I think that's karma for all the in-and-outs I've missed all year. So I was due for one,'' McCollum said, per ESPN. "I got a good look, so I can live with that even if it rolls out. That's the shot I practice over and over again."

McCollum's shot gave the Trail Blazers a 111-110 lead. There was still time for San Antonio to win it, but Aldridge missed a jump shot at the buzzer.

Both teams were shorthanded but rallied until the very end of an exciting encounter that was decided by McCollum's clutch bucket.

The talented scorer is having another productive season and is once again making a case to finally be recognized as an All-Star.

He's averaging impressive numbers of 21.3 points, 3.3 assists and 4.2 rebounds per game but will face stiff competition from the elite guards in the Western Conference.

But with Portland enjoying a winning record, he should certainly be considered for the showpiece event in Los Angeles as they're currently 21-18.

Right now, however, his focus is on carrying the team in the absence of Lillard who is questionable to face the Oklahoma City Thunder on Tuesday night.

McCollum has proven he's capable of carrying the load and being the go-to guy so the franchise should be in good hands until Dame returns.