A triple-double with 31 points, 13 rebounds and 12 assists, with the victory against the Pistons, is what we will remember from the excursion of Damian Lillard in Detroit. But the leader of the Blazers, he will also remember the referees. His 6 free throws clearly left him hungry. He did not hesitate to make it understood, without filter.
In his eyes, the defense of the opponents was too physical and too limited not to be sanctioned. Although the Blazers shot five more than the home team (25-20), their leader still drew — metaphorically, for his part — against the referee.
“I think it was the worst refereeing we had this season. From their body language to their responses to what I was telling them, everything was bad”he launched to the journalists, among which Aaron Fentress of The Oregonian.
Damian Lillard Justifies His Loyalty: ‘Look at Westbrook…’
Beyond this shocking sentence, Lillard justified himself, claiming to have seen many non-whistled offenses. In particular, he claims to have received blows to the head and arms. He also criticizes the officials for not having been attentive to his claims on the floor.
“I told them that we were playing to try to reach the playoffs and that we were giving everything on the field, but they looked at me like I was crazy when someone hit me in the face or touched my arm.he said. “It was deplorable.”
Logically targeted by defences, especially in the absence ofAnfernee Simons, Damian Lillard expects to have more opportunities on the line. With 9.4 attempts per game on average this season and 91.6% success, a large part of his points come from whistles.
“Teams do their best to stop me. So they’re going to be physical and focus on me. When I have the ball in my hands so much, it’s impossible for me not to go over the line when I attack. . This is where it gets frustrating”explains the All-Star point guard.
Damian Lillard, his warning to his detractors
