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2015 NBA Playoffs: Winners And Losers Of The First Round

By Gerald Bourguet

May 2, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) and guard Chris Paul (3) hug after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in game seven of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center. Clippers won 111-109. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports
May 2, 2015; Los Angeles, CA, USA; Los Angeles Clippers center DeAndre Jordan (6) and guard Chris Paul (3) hug after defeating the San Antonio Spurs in game seven of the first round of the NBA Playoffs against the San Antonio Spurs at Staples Center. Clippers won 111-109. Mandatory Credit: Jayne Kamin-Oncea-USA TODAY Sports /
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2015 NBA Playoffs
Apr 27, 2015; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) reacts after making a 3 point basket against the Memphis Grizzlies during the fourth quarter in game four of the first round of the NBA Playoffs at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /

Winner: Anyone Damian Lillard Was Guarding

Damian Lillard might be the most overrated star in the NBA. I hate to kick you when you’re down, Rip City, but it’s true. What other inconsistent scorer in this league gets more breathing room simply because he’ll have a night every now and then when he goes off? What other star has his piss-poor defense constantly overlooked simply because of “Lillard Time?”

Lillard’s greatest flaws were exposed in this year’s first round series against the Memphis Grizzlies. Mike Conley, Beno Udrih and Nick Calathes all took turns making Dame look like a turnstile on the defensive end, which looked even worse when you saw Lillard’s atrocious 40.6 field goal percentage (and 16.1 percent from downtown). I know Lillard is still young, but … come on.

Loser: The Portland Trail Blazers

Forget about the disappointing five-game loss to end the season in the first round; we all knew the Blazers were no longer contenders as soon as Wesley Matthews went down with his unfortunate Achilles injury. But after this season, Portland may be at a turning point with its current core.

For one thing, LaMarcus Aldridge is no longer a sure bet to return to Rip City. Matthews and Robin Lopez are both unrestricted free agents. Even with the development of C.J. McCollum and Meyers Leonard, LMA has very little reason to have faith that he can compete for a title with this current core anymore.

As always, Portland’s season was ruined by an injury to a key player. The only difference is this time, it may lead to the depressing departure of the face of the franchise. Blazers fans have gotten used to devastating injuries by now, but this one could lead to a whole new rebuilding plan.

Next: Raptors vs. Wizards