Damian Lillard doesn’t check the imaginary watch on his right wrist to see if the clock has struck “Dame Time” as often as he used to. That’s not to say he doesn’t have cause -- in fact, one could argue that it’s “Dame Time” so often these days that it’s no longer a unique situation -- but for whatever reason, he’s more sparring with his trademark pantomime than in previous seasons. Perhaps that why he’s diversified his celebratory hand motions.
But when times are tough, sometimes it’s helpful to lean on the tried and true habits that produced successful outcomes.