Lillard's 37ft Howitzer Sinks OKC
Think of this as a blunt response to over-coaching.
Granted, that malaise is infinitely more pernicious in the college ranks, but still, who do the pro coaches think they're orchestrating when they're pacing the baseline looking like grandmasters?
Going Old School here, but did you ever see Red Auerbach or John Wooden on their feet during a game?
Damian Lillard's on their side.
Better yet, so is Portland Trail Blazers coach -- and former NBA dude himself -- Terry Stotts.
Dude was at the tail end of what would be a 50-point performance, interwoven between inheriting additional playmaking responsibilities due to CJ McCollum's early foul trouble.
With a chance to finish off their first-round series against Oklahoma City and the game knotted at 115, Lillard had been feeling it all night, so as the clock wound down and no real negative consequences on the line, he went into what the hell mode:
Look at that.
Dude made every one of those.
Frankly, the most impressive part about that rise is dude still had the legs to do it after what was an extremely busy night for him.
Disregard what spoilsport Paul George and other naysayers have to say.
Lillard's clearly a disciple of St Herman's teachings:
That never gets old. Kinda like still dumping on a carpetbagger franchise that used to be Portland's biggest rival.
The more pertinent point here is -- what with how a certain team down the coast has re-made the game -- anywhere on the court is a good launch point if you've got the vibes to try it.
Really appreciate the man himself, @Dame_Lillard, joining @CJMcCollum and me. An honest, emotional, raw all-around conversation. In this clip,
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) April 25, 2019
Dame breaks down “the shot,” and why he had the confidence to both take - and make - his dagger from the logo⌚️@PullUpPod @trailblazers pic.twitter.com/DNRtRieNV7
So while the Thunder get taken out in five games, Lillard and the Blazers roll into the second round feeling pretty damn good about hoop futures in general.
Lotsa stuff still has to happen, but it's still conceivable Portland could meet another dude known for his extended range on a team that's seen how Lillard can close out from the suburbs, too, like this nifty number from 2014:
Right now, though, Portland's proved itself worthy of second-round action.
Unlike Lillard's shot from Mars, that one's now a bunny.