Damian Lillard’s durability key with Wesley Matthews out
While shorter contracts and frenetic roster turnovers are becoming more and more common, consistency remains a key component of success in the NBA. This is why, for example, the Spurs have stayed in contention for so long. They have kept their core plus coach together for nearly 20 years.
This is also certainly a part of the Blazers’ recent success. Head Coach Terry Stotts is now in his third year, and the players are becoming more familiar with his systems, especially on the defensive side of the ball. The team’s core has also remained together for a while now, with just one starter changing during these past three seasons (J.J. Hickson turning into Robin Lopez).
October 31, 2014; Sacramento, CA, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Wesley Matthews (2) during the fourth quarter against the Sacramento Kings at Sleep Train Arena. The Kings defeated the Trail Blazers 103-94. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports
A prime example of the team’s consistency is Wesley Matthews. Up until his injury against the Mavericks, Matthews had been just one of two Blazers to start every game this season. His entire career stats are even more impressive – other than the end of 2012-2013, when he was shut down because of a turned ankle when the playoffs were out of reach.
This durability is not to be taken for granted, as it means that both coaches and teammates can count on a player to be out there nearly every night, no matter what ache or pain is bothering him. Building off this, it allows both that player and his teammates more time to learn how to play even more effectively with one another.
With Matthews now out for the season, there remains just one Blazer to have started every game: Damian Lillard. That isn’t all, though. Lillard hasn’t missed a game since… ever. He has actually played in every game possible throughout his career, which is a perfect 225 for 225. Obviously Lillard is incredibly valuable to the team, but this adds a whole new level of value.
The confidence that a coach can have that his floor general will be out there night in and night out is priceless. The point guard is the one running the show, so not having him available is doubly crippling. Yet, for over two and a half seasons, this has not been a problem for the Blazers, as Lillard has been out there playing through multiple sprained fingers and any other host of ailments.
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At the moment, LaMarcus Aldridge is the foundation of this Trail Blazers team. It is doubtful you will find many who disagree, as he is the veteran linchpin through which the lion’s share of the team’s offense runs. While Lillard is special in his own right, he is definitely the second option (although Bill Simmons argued yesterday that Matthews was actually the second most important Blazer).
With that being said, Lillard’s durability grants him a foundation status in his own right. When Aldridge has been out, Lillard has stepped up to shoulder more of the scoring load, and when other perimeter players have been out, he has adapted to soak up some additional perimeter threat responsibilities.
The NBA season is a brutal 82-game grind. No one escapes without some bumps and bruises, as anyone who has even played even just a game or two of weekend pickup basketball can tell you. Injuries can and will happen, which makes Lillard’s streak all the more impressive. And, now with his durability partner in crime sidelined, it is up to Lillard to carry to torch of keeping some consistency in this up and down season.