Key #3: Dame Time
One key for Portland that shouldn’t come as a surprise, has been the play of Damian Lillard.
I’d like to recant all my concerns, worries, questions and fears about Damian Lillard from Thursday’s pod and set that take on fire in my backyard. Thank you.
— Bill Simmons (@BillSimmons) October 23, 2022
If you thought Damian Lillard was no longer the superstar he once was, then you were promptly corrected this past week. Dame is still Dame and is averaging 33.3 points per game. He’s also contributed 5.3 assists and 5.5 rebounds per game. Lillard is finally healthy, and it appears to be paying dividends.
After only playing 29 games last season due to an abdominal injury, there were questions about what level of play Lillard would be able to reach again. Dame got off to a shaky start against the Kings, but he quickly found form and dropped 41 points in back-to-back games. He was hitting his signature step-back threes, reminding the league he was a premier clutch performer. Lillard’s biggest impact, however, may not be found on the stat sheet.
Known for his leadership, Lillard has brought this team of new faces together beautifully. Dame has shown tremendous confidence in his teammates, displayed by giving up the ball in key moments (Jerami Grant and Anfernee Simons each have a game-winner this season).
With an inexperienced head coach and so many young teammates, Lillard’s leadership will be more important than ever this year.