NBA 2023: The Portland Trail Blazers have announced that they will shut down Damian Lillard for the rest of the season due to a lingering calf injury that has caused the star guard to miss the team’s last three games. As a result, the Blazers have suffered three consecutive losses, effectively ending their chances of making the play-in tournament this year. The team’s recent slump, having lost nine of their last ten games, has left them with a 32-43 record for the season, and they are now five games behind the Oklahoma City Thunder for the No. 10 spot in the Western Conference.
Lillard will have concerns with this injury, who missed a significant portion of last season due to abdominal surgery and has been plagued by various injuries, most notably his ongoing calf problems. He played only 58 games this year. However, Lillard had an exceptional season, averaging a career-high 32.2 points, 4.8 rebounds, and 7.3 assists per game. [ NBA 2023 ]
Throughout the season, Lillard has faced several injuries that impacted his performance on the court. However, he still achieved some remarkable feats, including being named an All-Star for the seventh time and setting a personal record high of 71 points in a game against the Houston Rockets on Feb. 26.
He made the game-winning shot of the NBA All-Star game as well. Despite Lillard’s achievements, the Portland Trail Blazers failed to secure a spot in the playoffs this season. This marks the team’s fourth time in franchise history and the first since 2012 and 2013 that they have missed the playoffs in consecutive seasons. [ NBA 2023 ]
NBA 2023: The Portland Trail Blazers Have Announced That They Will Shut Down Damian Lillard For The Rest Of The Season
Despite the Portland Trail Blazers missing the playoffs for two consecutive seasons, Damian Lillard has expressed his desire to stay with the team. However, Lillard’s injury history and the team’s struggles have led to speculation about his future with the franchise. Shams Charania reports that the Blazers will discuss the franchise’s direction during the offseason. We still have to know what the result of these talks will be.
In the meantime, the Blazers will have to focus on finishing the season strong without their star player. While they may not be able to make the playoffs, they can still use the remaining games to evaluate their younger players and build for the future. [ NBA 2023 ]
The drop-off from the fifth-best lottery odds to the eighth-best is significant, so every game matters now. Currently, only one game separates the Blazers, Orlando Magic, Indiana Pacers, and Washington Wizards in the standings, making the competition for the fifth-worst record in the league pivotal.
Despite their challenges this season, the Blazers have shown that they have a solid foundation to build upon. With Lillard leading the way, they have the potential to be a playoff team next year, provided they can stay healthy and make some key additions in the offseason. [ NBA 2023 ]
As for Lillard, he has proven time and time again that he is one of the best players in the league, and his commitment to the Blazers has never been in doubt. Whether he stays with the Blazers or not, the franchise will feel his impact for years.
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