Portland Trail Blazers: The NBA Playoffs is where Damian Lillard is most comfortable

The Portland Trail Blazers should feel confident heading into the playoffs because of Damian Lillard. 

Yes, NBA fans, it’s about that time again. It is indeed playoff time. But for a 6-foot-2, 195-pound point guard who happens to play for the Portland Trail Blazers, it’s now “Dame Time,” a phrase coined for his heroics in clutch situations.

We have witnessed Damian Lillard step up his game in crucial moments before so it won’t be a surprise to see him light it up in this year’s playoffs. With Lillard leading the way along with a cast of talented and healthy teammates to support him, opponents better beware of his knack for theatrics.

A history of Damian Lillard’s playoff heroics

Let’s go back to the 2014 NBA Playoffs when Lillard and the Blazers were facing the 4th seeded Houston Rockets led by James Harden. Lillard ended the Rockets season with a buzzer-beater in Game 6 of their first-round series.

Down 98-96 with 0.9 seconds left on the clock, Lillard caught the inbounds pass and released the ball as soon as he caught it and knocked down one of the most memorable clutch shots in NBA postseason history. Splash! Nothing but net! Dame Time!!!

Five years later, Lillard did it again. The victims this time were the Oklahoma City Thunder led by Russell and Paul George. Game 5 of their first-round series with the Blazers leading the series 3-1, the Blazers gained possession with 18 seconds remaining after a missed layup attempt by Westbrook with 18 seconds remaining with the game tied 115-115.

Lillard advances the ball across halfcourt and dribbles as George guards him. With about 1.5 seconds remaining on the clock, Lillard shoots a 37-footer and connects as the Thunder was eliminated in dramatic fashion.

Lillard, the man with ice water in his veins, hopes to have repeat performances similar to the other huge playoff moments if the opportunities present themselves. Lillard and the Blazers thrive in the underdog role making them a dangerous lower-seeded team nobody should want to play.

The Blazers will enter the playoffs as one of the hottest teams in the NBA compiling an 8-2 record in their last 10 games. It wouldn’t be wise to just write Lillard off as he has proven to be a prime-time performer in the postseason. His career averages in the playoffs are 24.8 points, 3.8 rebounds, 5.8 assists to go along with 35.6 percent shooting from downtown and 87.9 percent from the free-throw line.

Lillard’s tenacity and competitiveness allow him to be the great player that he is as he has earned his respect from his peers around the league as a player who doesn’t shy away from adversity and faces the big moments head-on welcoming any challenges.

He is so difficult to guard as he catches defenders off guard with his deep-range 3-point shots. Most of them go uncontested because he pulls the trigger not long after he crosses halfcourt, leaving defenders no time to react. Lillard’s ability to shoot it from deep also sets up his drives to the basket since some defenders try to adjust and pick him up immediately after he crosses half court but he is adept at changing speeds and using hesitation moves which defenders must respect because of his extended range.

Big things are expected from Lillard this postseason as we will be watching closely to see if we will see any more moments in “Dame Time.” Just as before, expect him to rise to the occasion as he normally does.