Damian Lillard: 'Everything will turn around' by Kerry Eggers

[SlyPokerDog]

There are plenty of things the Trail Blazers must correct if they are to get back into their first-round playoff series with Memphis in Saturday night's Game 3 at Moda Center.

None bigger, though, than turning around the fortunes of Damian Lillard.

A year ago, Portland's All-Star point guard was dynamite in the playoffs, averaging 22.9 points, 6.5 assists and 5.1 rebounds while shooting .439 from the field and .386 from 3-point range in 11 games. His series-winning trey in Game 6 against Houston stands as a seminal moment in the franchise's 44-year history.

In the first two games of the Memphis series, though, #LillardTime has been totally off the clock.

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http://portlandtribune.com/pt/12-sports/258028-129159-damian-lillard-everything-will-turn-around

 

[PDXFonz]

You're not out until the other team wins 4 games. Game 3 is the biggest game Lillard has ever played in, bigger than game 6 last year.

 

[TheMadHatter]

You're not out until the other team wins 4 games. Game 3 is the biggest game Lillard has ever played in, bigger than game 6 last year.

I don't know what's wrong with this guy lately hopefully when the season is over we'll find out what happened. You know it's going to come out eventually

 

[jlprk]

It's not just lately. I've noticed the slow deterioration for 2 seasons now. He was scared his rookie year, so he played to the edge of his ceiling. He led the league in minutes, because of Price/Maynor. Then we got Mo/Blake, and Batum took over much of his job, too. Supposedly this allowed him to allocate more energy to defense, but all it did was to take his focus off of his talent, shooting.

 

[stampedehero]

Damian Lillard Should watch and appreciate the work of the Pelicans Anderson who displayed desire and concentration. He led his Pelicans to an OT game with the Warriors. Even though NO lost, his inspiring atitude is what Lillard needs. If we finally win against the Grizz Lillard has to be the Star not the Shadow.

 

[stampedehero]

It's not just lately. I've noticed the slow deterioration for 2 seasons now. He was scared his rookie year, so he played to the edge of his ceiling. He led the league in minutes, because of Price/Maynor. Then we got Mo/Blake, and Batum took over much of his job, too. Supposedly this allowed him to allocate more energy to defense, but all it did was to take his focus off of his talent, shooting.

+> Great Observation.

 

[BBert]

There are plenty of things the Trail Blazers must correct if they are to get back into their first-round playoff series with Memphis in Saturday night's Game 3 at Moda Center.

None bigger, though, than turning around the fortunes of Damian Lillard.

A year ago, Portland's All-Star point guard was dynamite in the playoffs, averaging 22.9 points, 6.5 assists and 5.1 rebounds while shooting .439 from the field and .386 from 3-point range in 11 games. His series-winning trey in Game 6 against Houston stands as a seminal moment in the franchise's 44-year history.

In the first two games of the Memphis series, though, #LillardTime has been totally off the clock.

...

http://portlandtribune.com/pt/12-sports/258028-129159-damian-lillard-everything-will-turn-around

Thanks for posting that. Repped.

 

[riverman]

Damian Lillard Should watch and appreciate the work of the Pelicans Anderson who displayed desire and concentration. He led his Pelicans to an OT game with the Warriors. Even though NO lost, his inspiring atitude is what Lillard needs. If we finally win against the Grizz Lillard has to be the Star not the Shadow.

Anderson has not had many great games this season. Dame has won us way more than he has. I think he had a great game but it's one game

 

[Strenuus]

Anderson has not had many great games this season. Dame has won us way more than he has. I think he had a great game but it's one game

Don't you know? One game means EVERYTHING.

Anderson gets RIPPED by the boards of NOLA. So, he and Lillard have that in common at least.

 

[Blazer4ever]

D-Lill I love you my man, win or lose you're my hero.

 

[magnifier661]

Dame has an opportunity to turn this series around with one game. He has been the biggest disappointment this series because he, like Aldridge, are the stars we count on to perform every night. Role players can be inconsistent, but stars are supposed to shine in moments like these.

 

[Strenuus]

Dame has an opportunity to turn this series around with one game. He has been the biggest disappointment this series because he, like Aldridge, are the stars we count on to perform every night. Role players can be inconsistent, but stars are supposed to shine in moments like these.

4 game winners in a row. Two by Dame, two by Aldridge. If it does happen, I'm buying a lottery ticket.

 

[stampedehero]

Anderson has not had many great games this season. Dame has won us way more than he has. I think he had a great game but it's one game

Well........our one game is Saturday. We need a Playoff win and Dame has to lead us there!!! Affalo should be back...

 

[OneLifeToLive]

Dame has an opportunity to turn this series around with one game. He has been the biggest disappointment this series because he, like Aldridge, are the stars we count on to perform every night. Role players can be inconsistent, but stars are supposed to shine in moments like these.

Just between me and you. He looks spent. I don't think he has it in him. Because he not only needs to effect the game with his scoring but in every facet. You're askng a lot.

Barkley and the rest of the TNT crew called it right the other night. If he is not going to effect the game with his scoring he needs to make a difference elsewhere. And he doesn't.

 

[magnifier661]

Just between me and you. He looks spent. I don't think he has it in him. Because he not only needs to effect the game with his scoring but in every facet. You're askng a lot.

Barkley and the rest of the TNT crew called it right the other night. If he is not going to effect the game with his scoring he needs to make a difference elsewhere. And he doesn't.

I was thinking the same thing. Maybe Stotts makes adjustment to have dame only focus on the offense. Constantly help whenever he is defending so his energy is in his shot. When Dame starts drilling those perimeter shots, Memphis will be forced to change their defensive philosophy. We need to dictate the game or we get swept

 

[OneLifeToLive]

I was thinking the same thing. Maybe Stotts makes adjustment to have dame only focus on the offense. Constantly help whenever he is defending so his energy is in his shot. When Dame starts drilling those perimeter shots, Memphis will be forced to change their defensive philosophy. We need to dictate the game or we get swept

Do you think this team wants to take another 8 hour flight to Memphis?

Or here is a better question, based on what they exuded in the two previous games, what would make you think they would want to extend this series?

 

[magnifier661]

Do you think this team wants to take another 8 hour flight to Memphis?

Or here is a better question, based on what they exuded in the two previous games, what would make you think they would want to extend this series?

Pride! Our players have already proven that we never say die. The role players just need something positive to get our strength from. Normally that strength comes from your stars. This is why I believe Lillard is so important for game 6

 

[riverman]

We can't beat this team ugly. It will take a whole team of lights out shooters because an empty possession against this team is very tough to get back

 

[GoBlazersGo]

Do you think this team wants to take another 8 hour flight to Memphis?

Where are they flying to Memphis from... Hawaii!?

LOL!

 

[BBert]

Where are they flying to Memphis from... Hawaii!?

LOL!

Well they needed to relax after the horror of games one and two.