Best Player – Damian Lilliard (G) Portland TrailBlazers – 51PTS 16-28FG 4-12 3PT 15-16FT 3REB 7AST 2STL 6TO 40MIN)
The Portland Trailblazers had a terrible loss on Saturday against mostly backups for the Los Angeles Clippers on Sunday. And a big reason for this clunker of a game is star G Damian Lilliard. Lilliard had plenty of players and Clippers fans blowing up his social media with insults; well, Lilliard took it all in stride and had his best game in the bubble to date on Sunday.
Lilliard was able to do whatever he wanted against the 76ers, and the 76ers had no one who could slow him down on this night. This win for the Blazers put them in sole possession for the 8th seed in the western conference standings. They Have two games left, and they will only need to win one against the 9th seed to advance into the playoffs as the 8th seed. The Blazers were one of my sleeper teams to make some noise in the bubble. And once they get in, my money is on them upsetting the number one seed, the Los Angeles Lakers. A big reason I feel this way is Damian Lilliard and the games he puts up like he on Sunday.
Other Notables: Kawhi Leonard (SF) Clippers – 39PTS 14-25FG 4-7 3PT 7-8FT 2REB 6AST 4STL 2TO 37MIN; Austin Rivers (G) Rockets – 41PTS 14-20FG 6-11 3PT 7-8FT 6REB 4AST 2STL 3TO 33MIN.
Worst Player – Thomas Bryant (C) Wizards – 9PTs 2-8FG 1-5 3PT 4-4FT 5REB 2BLk 1TO 23MIN
The NBA had no business inviting the Washington Wizards to the bubble with their record of 24-40. Even if the Wizards were at full health, it was still a longshot for them to overtake the Orlando Magic, the 8th seed. But with three of their starters either dealing with an injury or opting not to play, it would be near impossible. Fast forward and the poor play of their young Center, Thomas Bryant, became the coffin’s nail. The wizards were officially eliminated from playoff contention on Sunday.
Bryant was not what this team needed if they were going to stand a chance against the Oklahoma City Thunder. The Wizards wanted to test their talented young player in the bubble to see if they should keep him or if they need to draft a replacement. The Wizards should not judge Bryant for one lousy game. Overall he has played well, and now that the Wizards are officially out of the playoff race, Bryant should be allowed to see if he can bring some intensity to these last two games.
Extra Trash: Jrue Holiday (G) Pelicans – 7PTS 2-12FG 0-5 3PT 3-3FT 3REB 7AST 1BLk 5TO 35MIN; Landry Shamet (SG) Clippers – 1PT 0-6FG 0-4 3PT 1-2FT 2REB 3AST 2TO 32MIN.