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NBA: Ranking the top 5 West players at the quarter mark of the season

By Tyler Siebert

PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 26: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on February 26, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Clippers defeated the Suns 102-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
PHOENIX, ARIZONA - FEBRUARY 26: Kawhi Leonard #2 of the LA Clippers during the second half of the NBA game against the Phoenix Suns at Talking Stick Resort Arena on February 26, 2020 in Phoenix, Arizona. The Clippers defeated the Suns 102-92. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2020 NBAE. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /
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NBA Portland Trail Blazers Damian Lillard (Photo by Alika Jenner/Getty Images) /

NBA West player rankings, No. 4: Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard has been incredible this season. With his running mate CJ McCollum missing significant time with an injury, Lillard has been carrying the Blazers through this season. Damian is a gamer, he plays with an edge, he’s tough as nails, and he backs up his tough-guy persona with a very efficient and defensively demoralizing style of play.

The pull-up 3’s he takes from near halfcourt like it’s a free throw is some of the most intimidating basketball I’ve ever seen. The same way Jordan would dunk on a guy who outweighs him is the same thing as Lillard when he pulls up from halfcourt. I mentioned he’s a gamer, pair that with his clutch gene and you’ve got a lethal combination. The number of buzzer-beaters, game-winners, and late in the shot clock shots he takes and makes is on another level.

Consider this, there have been nine total playoff series that have ended on a buzzer-beater. Only Michael Jordan and Damian Lillard have ended a series twice with a buzzer-beater. Whenever only two people have done something, and one of them is you, and the other is Michael Jordan, you’re most likely a legend.

Here’s the case for Lillard this season. He’s third in the NBA points (28.9), eighth in assists (7.2), and brings in just under five rebounds a game. Dame is also averaging 94 percent from the free-throw line which is 4th in the league and is third in the league in 3-point field goals (76).

For Lillard, he’s been the battery that makes the Blazers go. He’s ninth in the league in the NBA in minutes per game and has willed the Blazers to the eighth playoff seed in the conference. If he keeps this is up he may move up the list even higher.

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