Portland Trail Blazers: 5 post-deadline goals for the rest of the season
5) Don’t exhaust Damian Lillard
This goal might be the most important of the five goals. Everyone knows this team starts and ends with its Team Leader and MVP candidate. I watched a nicked-up Damian Lillard struggle in the final two rounds of the 2019 playoffs against Denver and Golden State. In 2020, Lillard missed part of Game 4 and all of Game 5 against the Los Angeles Lakers. It would be in the team’s best interest not to rely on Dame putting in excessive minutes to win every game down the stretch.
As fans, we all know how Lillard leaves it all on the court. Sometimes it seems like his health is also left on the court. Several times in recent weeks, I’ve seen Lillard limping from an awkward fall or holding his hand after a hard foul. Every time I see it happen, I wince and hope it’s nothing serious. This team can stay afloat, missing other players. They can’t do it without Damian Lillard.
A more efficient offense, along with increased production from role players, will allow Lillard to be the best version of himself come playoff time. A fresh Dame is a nightmare for any Western Conference foe in the playoffs regardless of seeding or home court.
What do you think about these Portland Trail Blazers goals? Let us know in the comments section below or on social media.