While the All-Star game has become a joke, still impressive how effortless Damian Lillard makes shooting look. Especially the two half-court makes last night.
Steph Curry and Damian Lillard in a class by themselves.
https://twitter.com/Bucks/status/1759437322574061585
https://twitter.com/34for2/status/1759447608873865446
Love the comments by Shaq to Dame after the game regarding the Bucks going forward.
https://twitter.com/NBATV/status/1759433730052038755
Great advice by Shaq.Originally Posted by mufan2003
Dame has to start playing D. Will be interesting to see how he handles the pressure of expectations to win a title. Never really had that in Portland.
Dame has the talent, but now has to decide if he is just a great player in the NBA, or a great player who can help a team win it all. Big difference.
Lillard also going through a divorce, his kids are still going to school in the Portland area. He was able to spend some time with them after the All-Star break and before Friday's game against Minnesota. Not that anyone should feel sorry for them and what they get paid, but it can have an effect. I am not worried about Lillard, and we are already seeing improvements statistically defensively under Doc.
There is a lot of motivation for this group. JJ Redick criticizing Doc for never taking accountability (losing 3-1 playoff series leads), the first round loss to Miami last season as the #1 overall seed, Lillard wanting to win his first championship. I think these guys are going to fight for Doc, in addition to themselves, they hear the same things the fans do.
Just give me a 100% healthy, or near 100% healthy roster come playoff time.........especially Giannis, Lillard, Middleton, Lopez. No Middleton on Friday night and they won on the road against the #1 team in the West. Boston is the frontrunner for sure in the East and maybe the entire NBA. I just don't know if there is a better clutch scorer in the East than Lillard. Maybe Tatum, but don't believe he is at Lillard's level in shooting off the dribble. Steph Curry is the only other one. Bucks will have as good of a shot as anyone.
It is time to start getting into a rhythm now so that you enter the playoffs (April 20) playing your best basketball and have established the chemistry. 25 games remaining in the regular season.
Last edited by mufan2003; 02-25-2024 at 12:25 PM.
I loved Jrue Holiday, he was the missing piece in winning the 2021 championship. However, as has been discussed before, his shooting stats dropped off significantly come playoff time. He always had great regular season numbers, but left you wanting more come playoff time. Lillard's shooting numbers are down this season, relative to his entire career, but I like my chances with Lillard on the big stage in the playoffs.
Last edited by mufan2003; 02-25-2024 at 12:30 PM.
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