CJ McCollum said he didn't need any extra motivation to perform after scoring 37 points in the Portland Trail Blazers' game 7 win over the Denver Nuggets.

The Blazers are headed to their first Western Conference finals since 2000.

"Honestly, I got enough motivation. I got it out the mud, I went to Lehigh University. You know what I'm saying? No one has ever been drafted there so for me, it's about showing what I can do every night and keeping the door open for the next mid-major," said McCollum, who shot 17-for-29 on the field.

McCollum said he channeled LeBron James on a key chase down block in the 4th quarter.

"I just went and got it, Bron-style. Shout out to my guy Bron from the 330. It was mini version of LeBron's block on [Andre Iguodala]. Definitely didn't get up as high but it was a cool play. It's something I'll remember; I might have to get a picture of that one," added McCollum.