In the Damian Lillard era, it’s become almost commonplace for the Portland Trail Blazers to hit their stride and begin playing their best basketball following the All-Star break. As Sam Amick of The Athletic notes, should the Blazers continue that trend, it could have an added benefit: the boost that Lillard needs to amplify his Most Valuable Player candidacy.
Lillard moved up one spot on Amick’s updated ladder. He praised the Blazers’ never-back-down spirit and Lillard’s leadership in guiding that mentality. The former Weber State star has appeared in 45 of 47 games, helping Portland overcome a long list of injuries to feature players.