The Talk of the NBA has been Portland’s all-star guard Damian Lillard. He silenced all critics with his historic performance in their first round series vs. the OKC Thunder. Damian Lillard Hit a 37 FT 3-pointer for the game, ending the Thunder’s playoff run. Within minutes his shot circulated across every social media platform and the video went viral. As for Dame, his eyes remain on the prize of winning a NBA Championship. The win was huge for the Trailblazers; providing them with some extra momentum needed to make a run in the Western conference. Damian Lillard has been on the road to redemption after being swepts in the past 2 post-seasons. This time around the narrative has change; Lillard and the Trailblazers are a force reckon with. Portland will go head-to-head with Nikola Jokic and the Nuggets on Monday night.
Trailblazer Guard Damian Lillard celebrates on game-winning shot. (Photo by: Oregon Live)
“At the last second he stepped towards me, so I had to pound dribble, side-step, and raise up”
Throughout his illustrious career Damian Lillard has played with a chip on his shoulder. The narrative was created during his time at Weber State University. Lillard wasn’t heavily recruited by top-tier programs like Duke, UNC, and Kentucky. Despite of those odds Lillard was able to prove all the doubters wrong, becoming a lottery pick in the 2013 NBA draft. In 7 seasons Damian Lillard is a Rookie of the Year, 4-Time All-Star, and 3-Time All-NBA Team. But still, the Oakland native isn’t satisfied. His eyes are set on winning an NBA championship. Heading into the Western Conference semifinals Damian Lillard is averaging 33 points, 6.0 assists, and 48% from deep. The Nuggets won the season series against the Trailblazers 3-1, but Dame and the Trailblazers have other plans.
Damian Lillard and the Portland Trailblazer’s will face the Denver Nuggets in the Western Conference semi-finals (Photo by: SB Nation)
“For me I love what my situation is. You know I don’t take my position for granted, I know that this is the organization that drafted me, they always done right by me. ”
Damian Lillard has solidified a spot in the conversation for the best guard in the NBA. When it comes to consistency there is no other point guard that displays his ability to produce each night. Damian Lillard has missed 24 games in 7 years of his career and has played a total of 96% of his games. In comparison to the top tier guards across the NBA, they all have a high level of assistance from their counterparts. However, Lillard has been devoid the level of help that Kyrie Irving, Stephen Curry, and Russell Westbrook all have. It’s time we start giving Lillard the credit he’s due after out dueling Russell Westbrook in round one. Dame has shownt he world that he’s that special. Ladies and gentlemen Damian Lillard has arrived!
Damian Lillard walks off after post-game celebration in the first round of the NBA Playoffs (Photo by: Washington Post).
“Damian Lillard deserves to be First team All-NBA, did you guys know Damian Lillard has only missed 4% of his games in his entire career. This is his 7th season!”
Thanks: ESPN, SB Nation, Blecher Report
Athlete: Damian Lillard