“Without collective effort, you do not win in the play-offs”. In one sentence, Damian Lillard explained how the Endgame is different from the regular season, but also how Portland has managed to tie the game to two anywhere in their series against Denver. Even if the leader did not have his usual performance in scoring (10 points), the Blazers largely beat the Nuggets (115-95). It is in particular because Dame Dolla turned into a passer to compensate for her clumsiness and to mark her teammates that this success was possible. While he only scored one basket in the game, Lillard delivered ten assists to help four of his teammates score more points than him. By allowing Norman Powell (29 points), Jusuf Nurkic (16), Carmelo Anthony (12) and CJ McCollum (21) to pass the ten-unit mark, Damian Lillard has assumed his franchise player status by making victory possible but also that of leader by showing the example. For the first time since March 29, 2015 and a success facae in… Denver, Portland won despite a game ten points or less from its number 0.
“I didn’t need to score 50 points”
Damian Lillard did not go far from the second triple-double of his career but at a press conference, he especially highlighted the collective work carried out. “I didn’t have to score 50 points, dominate the game or play the heroes. Our team needed a good collective game, ”explained the leader at a press conference. In the wake of his defense on Facundo Campazzo, all players made their efforts to beat Denver ahead of the series’ return to Colorado. Even the bench had the opportunity to shine in the fourth quarter when the gap exceeded 20 units. To build such a lead, the team coached by Terry Stotts could count on the award-winning baskets of Norman Powell, the activity of CJ McCollum but also the defensive intensity of Jusuf Nurkic. In addition to his offensive contribution, the Bosnian perfectly muzzled Nikola Jokic to limit him to 16 points and an assist. The key to the game according to Terry Stotts.
“He was focused and solid to make a good defense on Jokic. Nurk was not threatened with a exclusion. It was the key. We’re better with him on the pitch, especially against Denver, ”said the manager. The pivot’s progress, especially in terms of discipline, symbolizes the rise of the Blazers. Before Game 5, they equalized and remain alive in this uncertain series against the Nuggets. Better still, they discovered new weapons. With the ability to win even when Damian Lillard is in a day without, Portland can hope to take a step forward and win in the play-offs.
