USA Today via Reuters
Jan 24, 2021; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots over New York Knicks guard Elfrid Payton (6) and guard Alec Burks (18) during the first quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 24, 2021; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots over New York Knicks guard Elfrid Payton (6) and guard Alec Burks (18) during the first quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
Damian Lillard hit another all-time shot against the Dallas Mavericks last night. Lillard hit a dagger step-back three in the final minute of the game to help his Trailblazers beat the Mavs after Dallas made an incredible fourth-quarter comeback. However, Luka Doncic missed a game-winner and Portland took the win.
After the Dallas game, Lillard was asked about how he views himself in the league and how his load has been with a majority of Portland’s stars injured.
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“I think it probably is, I mean, the best players win MVP. I think what you see is those players have a heavy load but they take a lot of responsibility in the wins and losses for their team. They’re the players that are showing up night after night, on the games on TV and not on the TV… I think this year with everything we’ve been dealing with. The injuries we’ve got… Without CJ I’m going to have more responsibility. Without Nurk I’m gonna have more responsibility.”
Lillard added, “I think that’s what you see in MVPs. Obviously, you know I see myself at the top of this league. I’m one of the best players in this league and I feel like I’m on that level. Given the way our team is playing in the circumstances, it makes it even more obvious to me.’
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Damian Lillard: An MVP candidate?
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 30, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) celebrates with his teammates after making the game-winning three-point basket at the buzzer against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
If people still put players like Luka Doncic in the MVP conversation, there is no reason for Damian Lillard to not be there. He has carried this Portland team into a playoff spot with two of his best teammates serving time out with injuries.
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His ability to make shots in clutch moments is unparalleled. The Trailblazers are fifth in the competitive Western Conference with a 15-11 record. They look to be in a comfortable spot right now. However, this team will only be bolstered by the returns of CJ McCollum and Jusuf Nurkic.
Dame is playing at an MVP level and more people should recognize it. While he may not win the award at the end of the season, he should definitely be considered a part of the race with his incredible performances.
