There's driven, and then there's Lillard. http://www.oregonlive.com/blazers/i...efense_make_a_playoff_vow.html#incart_m-rpt-1
How dare you put up a quick article!!!!! But I definitely agree with Dame. I have a feeling he will be shutting up a lot of people like he did last playoffs. We may lose this series, but I doubt it will be because of Dame
I'm glad their going in on Lillard lately. Between the criticism on his defense and his whiny letter Tony Allan called him out on, it's going to be interesting to see what he does this series. He needs a good performence to make up for his weak second half of the year. Especially since he's going to sign a max contract (God I hope we don't regret that) this summer he needs this one to make up for a dissappinting year.
I Havent been worried that much about the Playoffs for that reason. We know Lillard is going to go HAM in the playoffs and LAs game seems custom fitted for the Playoffs as well. Those two are going to be two of the best 3 players in the series.
Im not sure what Lillard has to do at this point to prove to some people that he is driven and will only get better.
I love Dame and I love LA, but I don't think we have a snowball's chance in this series. Memphis has taken us out of our game every time we've played them. If we were at full strength I think we would beat them, but we're not even close to that. I wasn't impressed with Damian's quote of "It's hard to beat a team 8 times" as well.
I'm assuming the snowball you're referencing is one that's in hell? If we are indeed a snowball in hell, I hope we happen to be in the 9th circle!
I understand Dame is a giant part of this teams chances for success. My questions about his defense have pretty much been answered. He is moving better and getting to the positions on the floor faster. The game continues to slow down for him. It is very true that his defense has improved when players try to post him up. They might get away with it once but Dame will make them pay and poke the ball away or get a finger on a pass. It's all about experience on defense and Lillard is getting better all the time. He is playing as much as any player in the league against the very best in the very best conference. There are All-Star players that had huge games against the Blazers defense no question, but we all know those same players had huge games against other teams all over the league. There were lots of 40+ point games and they didn't all happen against Lillard. Lillard's defense has become the standard statement people talk about that are looking for something negative to say about him. You will not see YouTube video's of him simply not trying like some other bearded guy that is in the MVP discussion. You will not ever see him just give up like a certain innovative PG that starts in way more commercials. They can say what they want but those who really watch and understand the game know better. Lillard is coming along just fine. He also is one of the most durable players you will ever see. At least so far...Yeah i knocked on wood after typing that.
I'm not concerned with Dame's defense. What's most lacking is his play-making ability. As someone who is suppose to set the table on offense he's merely average. There's nothing special about his ability to set up his teammates for easy scoring opportunities. However, that's generally offset by his killer instinct, drive, and determination.
I kind of think Nic and Damian will both have great series after slightly holding back all year which is why I like their chances. Nic is the X factor. But if he or Dame doesn't show up they're done. As a matter of fact, if the two can not give anymore in this series than they have. It maybe time to reassess their value for the long term future.
