OKC Thunder film room: defensive keys to shut down Trail Blazers offense

Don’t let Damian dominate

It would be an extreme disservice to say Damian Lillard is a poor man’s, Russell Westbrook. Instead, Lillard is a great ball handler, play-maker, and shooter who can take over a game if given the chance, as witnessed by his 51-point performance in game four of the regular season series.

Much like Westbrook, Lillard is the energizing facilitator Portland relies on to manage the game and set the tone for their side. He averages 25.8 points per game, 44.4 percent from the field, 36.9 percent from 3-point range, and 91.2 percent from the free throw line. In other words, this is a guy the Thunder do not want to get hot and find his shooting stroke.

He’s streaky on the drive, crafty with the ball, and knows how to find an open shooter. Below are a few clips to exemplify what Lillard is capable of if given even half a chance.

The first clip shows some of his explosiveness and ability to operate in tight quarters along the sideline. As can be readily seen, his agility, balance, and body control are not unlike those of Westbrook.

This second clip illustrates Lillard’s spatial awareness and ability to find his open man even as the defense collapses in on him.

The third and final clip shows how Lillard trusts in his ability to shoot from deep when the clock is winding down and the game is on the line.

To put it simply, Damian Lillard is a baller. Like Westbrook does for the Thunder, the Trail Blazers go how Lillard goes. Though nearly impossible to completely remove him from the game, Oklahoma City needs to figure out how to disrupt Lillard’s rhythm and keep him from energizing his teammates and the crowd in Portland’s favor.