Disbelief from doubters may discourage some, but not Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard. Condescension, hostility motivate Portland’s leading man.
In the monumental, much-anticipated documentary “The Last Dance,” the world learned small slights and doubters motivated NBA legend Michael Jordan to play well.
If Twitter existed during Jordan’s era, he probably would have combated his dissenters through a burner account like two-time NBA Champion and Finals MVP Kevin Durant or actively responded to irrelevant tweets like Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard.
The slightest, most trivial criticism from anyone—players or laymen—has always bothered these three great players. What would be considered a weakness off the court has turned into strength inside the baselines.
Jordan said NBA great Charles Barkley winning the 1993 NBA MVP award fueled him to a playoff stat line average of 41 points, 8.5 rebounds, 6.3 assists and 1.7 steals per game. After Los Angeles Clippers guard Patrick Beverly began trash-talking Durant in the first round of the 2019 Western Conference playoffs, Durant went from averaging 22 points in the first two games to 41.5 points in the next four games. Lillard improved his scoring average from 29.4 points in the first five bubble games to 51.3 in the last three after a heated game and Twitter exchange with Beverly and Clippers forward Paul George.
“I use it as fuel,” Lillard said of doubters in an interview with ESPN’s Maria Taylor. “It continues to give me a reason to work and a reason to strive for more and demand more of myself.”
Is that so Mr. Lillard?
Well, I would like to put out a public service announcement imploring all of Dame’s haters to come to the forefront.
At him on Twitter to tell him you don’t believe in him. Post a video on Instagram ranting about his inability to succeed. Please. I beg of you.
Do Blazers fans a favor everywhere and amplify your malice. If it means performances like 51, 61 and 42 points regularly, we’d appreciate all the vitriol you can give.
Poke the bear. Step on the tail of the dragon. Wake the sleeping giant.
Continue to say the Portland Trail Blazers do not have a chance against LeBron James, Anthony Davis and the Los Angeles Lakers.
Your generous, spiteful contributions could culminate in a first-round victory for the Blazers, a deep run in the playoffs or something…bigger.
Big is how the Blazers must think to be successful. Lillard has said multiple times he believes the Blazers can beat the Lakers. Why would he say anything else?
In the words of famed author David J. Schwartz, “The size of your success is determined by the size of your belief.”
Lillard and the Blazers must believe and play like they believe to win in the playoffs.
But not you, haters. Your disbelief in the Blazers must continue. Elevate your hate and direct it towards Lillard and the Blazers.
Rip City will thank you.