The Portland Trailblazers scripted a great comeback to win against the New Orleans Pelicans. The Blazers were 17 points behind Zion Williamson and company at the 10-minute mark in the fourth quarter. But from there they were inspired by a mesmerising performance from their star player Damian Lillard to bring home a very crucial win.
Lillard finished the game with mammoth numbers as he scored exactly 50 points along with 10 assists, and 6 rebounds. While Zion and Brandon Ingram did put up massive numbers to put the Pelicans in charge for the entirety of the game the Blazers kept themselves alive and finally defeated them to 125-124 in a nail-biting affair.
While Lillard grabbed the headline with his massive performance and so he should, but there were the likes of Ingram, Zion and even Gary Trent Jr. who played massive roles for their respective teams. Ingram finished with 30 points which was the team high for the Pelicans whereas Zion ended with 28 points. While Gary Trent Jr. chipped in with crucial 22 points from the bench to turn the tide in Blazers’ favour.
Speaking to the TNT cast after the game, Lillard was asked about how to be a good shooter by Shaquille O’Neal. To which the 30-year-old replied, ” “You have got to put a lot of time in”. He then went on to compliment Stephen Curry. Dame then continued, “We got some great shooters in our league obviously we think of Steph Curry first when we think of shooters, the greatest shooter to ever play in our league.”
Lillard revealed that he stays more focused during crunch moments and unlike most people he does not get nervous. He steps his game up during the crunch moments.
Then Dwayne Wade asked the last question where he asked Lillard to advise the young kids who want to be like him. To which he shared about his past and said, “I know what it’s like to be unknown and to not have the lights on you and to want to be seen.”
He expressed how he was not known in school or college and he has put in a lot of hard work to be at this level. “It’s a constant mix of hard work and staying humble”
The Blazers are currently sixth in the West and with every win, they are closing in on the top four of the Western Conference.