Damian Lillard Says The Blazers are “the real deal” following win over depleted Warriors team
Following a 125-108 win against the Warriors on Friday night at the Moda Center the Portland Trailblazers’ All-Star guard Damian Lillard was feeling pretty confident about his squad. He did finish the night posting an impressive 28 points to go along with 8 assists however all of the dopamine which his brain had produced following the euphoric win over the defending champs may have gotten to his head a little too much. Lillard told ESPN “We’re the real deal” speaking on his Blazers team who just defeated a depleted Warriors team, via Chris B. Haynes:
“Damian Lillard to ESPN after his Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Golden State Warriors, 125-108: “We’re the real deal.””
To begin, the Warriors were without arguably the best player in the NBA as Stephen Curry was forced to miss the Warriors short road trip after spraining his right ankle on the previous night against the Spurs. The Warriors were also without veterans Andre Iguodala (sprained left wrist) and David West (right arm cyst). Additionally, missing in action was rookie forward Jordan Bell (sprained right ankle) and second year guard Patrick McCaw who has been sidelined with a fractured left wrist.
All of the injuries to the Warriors roster have prompted them to call up Quinn Cook and Damian Jones from the Warriors G-League affiliate in Santa Cruz. With Curry and McCaw out of the line-up Cook got the start at point guard.
Although the Blazers have put together a solid 9-game win streak after last nights victory I would certainly say they are far from “The Real Deal” and are likely a first or second round exit in the playoffs again in a stacked Western Conference. Drawing too much confidence after beating a depleted Warriors team who they happened to catch on the second game of a back to back has seemed to cause a certain level of false confidence. One would think Lillards “Blazers in 6” comment prior to getting swept by the Warriors last year would still be fresh in his head but I guess not.