Rip City Project
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Blazers: 7 Reasons for the 2015-16 Season

By Spencer Gordon

Feb 19, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) reacts after hitting a three point shot over during the fourth quarter of the game against the Golden State Warriors at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Lillard scored 51 points as the Blazers won 137-105. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports
Feb 19, 2016; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) reacts after hitting a three point shot over during the fourth quarter of the game against the Golden State Warriors at the Moda Center at the Rose Quarter. Lillard scored 51 points as the Blazers won 137-105. Mandatory Credit: Steve Dykes-USA TODAY Sports /
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May 2, 2014; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) yells “Rip City” into the arena PA after hitting the game winning shot during the fourth quarter in game six of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
May 2, 2014; Portland, OR, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) yells “Rip City” into the arena PA after hitting the game winning shot during the fourth quarter in game six of the first round of the 2014 NBA Playoffs at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports /

2. Damian Lillard

I don’t know if you heard, but Damian Lillard is a straight up BEAST.

Proving his worth again against Minnesota recently with an incredible four point play at the end of the game, Portland’s leader has solidified himself as one of the best point guards in the league.

There has been lots of chatter recently on what was the most important game of the season, with some citing the blowouts against Cleveland and Golden State, but the one that comes to mind for me will always be January’s game against the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Scout’s honor, with four minutes to go in the game, I spent time with friends chatting about draft picks, free agent targets and other “non-playoff” thoughts. Then Lillard told me to stuff it with 17 points in three minutes. Kevin Durant and Russell Westbrook are two of the game’s best, but neither have put together such a dramatic comeback single handedly like Lillard did.  

Not only was that game incredible, but it literally turned the season around for Portland. They went on to have one of the best records in the NBA after that point and slingshotted themselves into the playoffs. The reason being: the team’s confidence in Lillard.

There is no way Portland makes the playoffs without Damian Lillard.

Period.

Next: Number One