I haven't looked at the stats, but it seems that Lillard isn't shooting as well from the field this season, and he's also had a few games like tonight where he either doesn't get into double figures in scoring, or barely gets there. I've also noticed a passivity to his game, when he seems content to just pass the ball and watch the offense go. I'm not talking about a severe drop-off in his game, but there does seem to be a slight one, and I'm curious about why it has happened. Perhaps he feels that he doesn't have to do it all anymore, so he's laying back a little.
I don't mind Lillard having a slow start if we are 19-4. He gets time to get out of it without hurting us.
Yes. His shooting is off. He has also made an effort to get to the line more, and some games it works, other games (like tonight) it does not work. I think he's working it out, but Beverly gives him fits.
Teams are just playing him better. He is working through it though. Shots just aren't going down. He has attacked a lot this season.
...no, he is just getting used to his "new" role! He is getting subbed at different intervals than anytime last year and playing a slightly different position for some stretches throughout the game. Just a little more adjusting and getting used to it and he will be just fine...Lillard is still an ice cold killer during the majority of his crunch time minutes!
I'm not thrilled with Stotts sub pattern for Dame. It seems like Lillard has a hard time finding a rhythm.
I just don't like how Stotts will take him out and then put him in two or three teams in the first half. Just let the guy play. He went from playing the most minutes in the league last year to only 34 minutes last night.
Beverly is a gnat - a really under-rated defender. 11 rebounds for him. Lillard had 0. Learn, adjust, and move onto the next game.
IMO, his offense is struggling a bit for a couple of reasons 1. His improved effort on defense is likely tiring his legs a bit 2. Teams are now designing defenses to move him from his comfort spots
That makes two of us. I guess if the team scores more points than it gives up while you are on the floor, your +/- numbers are good, but it seems to me that the performance of your team may have very little to do with your own performance.
Once Killard gains national respect, most likely next season, then watch out. For every blown paint call, that effects his shooting around the rim. If they called at least half of what he should get, the other team's bigs would be in foul trouble. Once he gets that reputation, then teams would have to adjust. The defense is up in his grill at the top of the key, daring him to drive to the basket. Killard has no problem beating his man. He needs that floater and his teammates need to be in passing areas for him to dish when the defense collapse on him.
Yep. They know to play the three point line and get up in him physically. But he's a student of the game, and I expect he'll adjust and improve.
I think you are reaching a bit with the national respect. he is widely respected around the NBA circles, and promoted by most every analyst.
Yeah - it's definitely great that his disappointing play hasn't led to us losing games. That's also why I can't be too down on Mo's play. At 19-4 poor individual performances haven't hurt us. I just hope that that continues to be the case, and that Lillard (and Mo) start rolling down the stretch. If LMA can keep this up all season, and if Lillard gets to the point where he's as good or better than last year, then the Playoffs should be quite fun!
he is definitely trying to get inside a lot more thus yr. In many cases he is forcing it and not making good decisions. Some say he is not getting the calls, from my view I agree with "part" of that but he's also fairly often getting easily stuffed or has nowhere to go and does not deserve the calls. He's good and a smart player, IMO this is an adjustment period for him and he'll figure it out. I love we are at with him struggling a bit!
Agreed. There might be some missed calls, but it's certainly not the majority, or even 50%. At most he should be going to the line 1 or 2 more times per game. Defenders are simply playing him well and he hasn't learned how to adjust yet.
