Los Angeles • Even in an All-Star Game, where the defense is half-speed or slower, an outstretched Kevin Durant is not an easy obstacle.
Damian Lillard didn’t flinch. He set his feet and shot, hitting his third 3-pointer of the night at Staples Center.
Each of the last two seasons, Lillard hasn’t been invited to the All-Star Game. On Sunday night, it was clear he belonged.
“I wasn’t going to go out there and be invisible,” Lillard said. “I went out there and was like, I’m gonna play and I’m gonna be a part of the show.”
The Weber State product and Portland Trail Blazers guard had 21 points on 9-for-14 shooting, and added three rebounds and two assists. Perhaps most tellingly, he received the only MVP vote that didn’t go to LeBron James.
While his Team Steph fell 148-145 to James and his team, it was never about winning or losing for Lillard. It was about earning the respect that has been so hard-won over the years.
He was a two-time All-Star before, in 2014 and 2015. Each of the last two seasons, despite increasing his scoring and being similarly productive, he just missed the cut.
When he was selected by coaches as a reserve this season again, Lillard didn’t take the opportunity for granted. In his first two All-Star appearances, Lillard was a subplot. This time, he played more than 20 minutes (in part thanks to Jimmy Butler sitting out for rest).
He made the most of it, and shot more than any other All-Star reserve. Mike D’Antoni ended up starting him to begin the third quarter.
Damian Lillard talks about playing in his third All-Star Game and feeling increased respect from his peers and coaches. pic.twitter.com/sBgg2HhYUN
— Kyle Goon (@kylegoon) February 19, 2018
“I’m a little older, a little more mature, I think the respect of my peers has gone up since then, and the coaches,” he said. “It’s something that you have to earn.”
Lillard admitted that he hasn’t always been ready for that respect. In his first All-Star appearance, he took the advice of Kobe Bryant: Shoot it every time you have the ball.
This time, he eased his way into it. Lillard had an airball in the first quarter, but eventually found his rhythm, nailing the jumpers and cruising in for the layups to which fans have become accustomed.
But even if he didn’t have a good game on Sunday night, he’s garnered the admiration of his peers. And that’s mostly what he’s wanted.
“I think as long as you’re here, what can people really say?” Charlotte guard Kemba Walker said. “Dame has proved that he’s an All-Star.”
