Correct me if you’ve heard this before: The Portland Trail Blazers are sliding. They need an incredible performance from Damian Lillard just to compete. He gives them his best game of the season — and they still find a way to lose.
That’s what happened Thursday night in Portland. The Blazers, who have lost four in a row, needed Lillard to spark them to life against the rival Cleveland Cavaliers. He did just that: 50 points on 16-of-28 shooting to help the Blazers build a 14-point lead that ended up being wasted. The Cavs held on to win, 119-113. Portland’s losing streak is up to five.
If this all sounds familiar, it is. In March 2019, Lillard gave the Blazers 51 points, but Portland blew a second-half lead to give the Oklahoma City Thunder a 129-121 overtime victory. Eight months later, he posted 60 points for the Brooklyn Nets. His teammates couldn’t even match that, combining for 55 points on 21-of-64 shooting as the Nets pulled away from Portland with a stunning victory.
Lillard is now the third player in the last five seasons to lose three or more 50 games, joining Bradley Beal and James Harden (who has four). Another name should not be particularly surprising. Beal is, in many ways, Lillard’s Eastern Conference doppelganger: a high-profile point guard who chose to stay with an inferior team rather than pursue competition elsewhere. Harden is working even harder. He’s changed teams twice in that span — and let’s just say the holidays haven’t lasted. Even now, in his third season in three seasons, rumors suggest he may want to return to Houston.
If those are Lillard’s only options, he’s stuck between a rock and a hard place. Thursday’s loss dropped the Blazers to 11th in the Western Conference at 19-22. They’ve lost nine of their last 11 games, and despite his streak, Lillard has played in all of them. Their defense, while improved, still ranks just 19th in the NBA. Their offense dropped to 14th, which is the first time they have fallen out of the top three during Lillard’s career since 2018. Lillard, who is still averaging more than 27 points per game he’s shooting almost the average of his career, he’s doing his best. his power.
However, his big games continue to fall by the wayside for a team that seems to be out of action on a daily basis. In the crowded Western Conference, even one loss can have serious seeding consequences. Things won’t be easy from here for the Blazers, who will host a back-to-back series with the Mavericks this week before facing the Nuggets, 76ers and Lakers. A bad stretch could push the Blazers to 13th in the conference.
Lillard made his position clear. He is not going anywhere. But if this season continues, the Blazers will have to rethink the way they build around him, because watching an icon like Lillard continue to lose his best games it won’t last forever.
What NBA player went to Weber State?
| Name | Joel Bolomboy | |
|---|---|---|
| Design | 2016 (52) | |
| Pos. | PF/C | |
| Ht | 2.06/ 6’9” | |
| In the NBA | Leaving | 2016 |
Who went to NBA from JUCO? In the past, other notable college alums who have reached the NBA include 1992 Rookie of the Year Larry Johnson, 1997 Sixth Man of the Year John Starks and four-time Defensive Player of the Year Ben Wallace, among many others.
How many NBA players are from Weber State?
16 players have been selected from Weber State in NBA draft history, 1 in the first round (0 in the last 10 years), 4 in the second round and 0 among the top three picks.
Why did Damian Lillard go to Weber State?
Long before Weber State chose him, Damian Lillard chose Weber State ⦠in a video game, that is. When he was a teenager, he didn’t know much about the Wildcats, but they were the underdogs, and he wanted to help them win. See the article : Vermont high school sports scores for Friday, January 6. And he did, many times, on the video screen and finally on the hardwood.
Why did Damian Lillard go to Weber State?
Long before Weber State chose him, Damian Lillard chose Weber State ⦠in a video game, that is. When he was a teenager, he didn’t know much about the Wildcats, but they were the underdogs, and he wanted to help them win. Read also : Best in College Sports: Michigan snatches the competition to claim the award for the 2021-22 athletic season. And he did, many times, on the video screen and finally on the hardwood.
Did Damian Lillard go to Weber State? While at Weber State from 2008-2012, Lillard put himself and the university on the map. He earned Big Sky Freshman of the Year and first-team All-Big Sky honors after leading the Wildcats to the conference title in his freshman season. During his first campaign he averaged 11.5 points.
What college did Damian Lillard go to?
Lillard had one of the greatest careers in Weber State history and finished his career second in school history with 1,934 points, which is also fifth in Big Sky Conference history. Read also : Local Sports Summary: December 28. He played in 103 career games with the Wildcats and started 98 games.
Are Damian Lillard and LeBron James friends?
Damian Lillard and LeBron James have a great relationship, so it’s no wonder they’re showing love to each other. However, this is the reason why there were rumors before Dame asked the Lakers for a trade. Are you a 1000% NBA fan?
Where did Damian Lillard grow up?
Hometown: Oakland, Calif. ¦ Wears No.
Did Damian Lillard start in high school? Lillard was a 5-foot-11 guard with no scholarship offers from major schools when he graduated from Oakland High in 2008. The East Oakland native ended up growing four inches after graduation, he committed to central Weber State University and was selected sixth overall. pick the 2012 NBA draft by the Blazers.
What neighborhood is Damian Lillard from?
Damian Lillard, who is an NBA basketball player for the Portland Trail Blazers, grew up in Brookfield Village.
Where is Damian Lillard hometown?
Hometown: Oakland, Calif
