Damian Lillard found a way to ramp his game to an even higher level during the Trail Blazers seeding games in Orlando. In an interview with Brooke Olzendam, he explains how he managed to do so.
Heading into the NBA bubble, Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard was already in the midst of a career season individually. With career-highs in points (28.9) and assists (7.8) per game, as well as efficiency splits, the idea that he could ramp his game — substantially, at least — beyond that felt unlikely.
Needing to close the gap between the Memphis Grizzlies and Portland Trail Blazers, Lillard went into postseason mode earlier than normal. In eight seeding games, he averaged 37.6 points, 9.6 assists, and 4.3 rebounds on 50-44-89 percentage splits, en route to a Bubble Most Valuable Player award nod.
In an interview with Blazers courtside reporter Brooke Olzendam, the five-time All-NBA Teamer explained how he found that extra gear when it mattered most.
"“During the quarantine, I had a local gym that I trained at. I had it professionally cleaned. And I got up and went every morning. I did a lot of strength, balance, core, conditioning. And I went everyday. For that three-and-a-half, four months, I didn’t miss a day. So, I got in a routine where I was as strong as I’ve ever been. I was well-conditioned. My mind was … I was full.”"
The in-game tape confirms as much. Lillard appeared to find extra gears in fourth quarters, and the Trail Blazers needed every ounce he could summon, with how closely-contested the bubble games were.
Lillard reaped the benefits of that added stamina in fourth quarters. In Orlando play, he played 81 fourth-quarter minutes, tied for No. 3 in the NBA (CJ McCollum was No. 1 with 94, and Gary Trent Jr. was No. 2 with 89).
It also likely allowed him an opportunity to attack the rim with more vigor. In the bubble, he averaged 17.3 drives per game and shot 55.9 percent on them — up from 15.2 drives on 54.8 percent before the cancellation. Heading into 2020-21, it will be interesting to see if Lillard can once again raise the perceived “ceiling” on his individual success going forward. Next season, he will be 30-years-old, but has shown no sign of slowing down.