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 is set to make his sixth appearance at the All-Star games this Sunday in Atlanta. The Blazers’ talisman has been in impeccable form this season and has carried the team to the fifth seed in the Western Conference.
Ahead of the All-Star game, the 30-year-old shared a picture of the official basketball to be used in the All-Star game.
Excited to be headed to my 6th @nbaallstar game. Here’s a first look at the @Spalding game ball we will be playing with in tomorrow’s game. #Spalding #YKWTII ⌚️ pic.twitter.com/JZGvXtC7fB
— Damian Lillard (@Dame_Lillard) March 6, 2021
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Although Lillard is having an amazing season so far, he was once again snubbed from being a starter. This certainly caused a stir among the NBA community, who were rooting for Lillard to finally start an All-Star game.
But a silver lining for Lillard was that he was the first pick in Team LeBron from the reserves. Given his blistering form in the regular season, it will be interesting to see how Lillard approaches this game. Will the 30-year-old come out all guns blazing?
Is Damian Lillard a likely MVP candidate this season?
Damian Lillard has become one of the league’s biggest superstars in the last two years. Despite playing in a small market team like the Blazers, Lillard has built his image as one of the most feared players in the league.
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He is exceptional in clutch moments and has bailed out his team in numerous occasions this season. ‘Dame Dolla’ has carried his exceptional form from the Orlando Bubble to this season as well.
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 30, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) celebrates 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
After losing two key starters in Jusuf Nurkic and CJ McCollum, who had to be sidelined due to injuries, many predicted the Blazers to fall out of the playoff spots. But luckily for the team, that was not the case, as Lillard is averaging a career high 29.8 points, 8.0 assists and 4.3 rebounds per game.
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Not only is he leading the team in points, but he is also leading them in assists. He has kept his team comfortably in playoff contention, leading them to a 21-14 record in Western Conference. It is absolutely amazing to see how Lillard has handled the enormous pressure with such ease so far.
Witha varied display in the offensive end, Lillard has solidified his place as one of the dark horses in the MVP race.
