Portland's Loss to Denver Inspired Damian Lillard to Play for Team USA
Portland's loss to the short-handed Denver Nuggets in the first round of the playoffs didn't just cement the fact that his team wasn't good enough to win at the highest level. For Damian Lillard, that dispiriting end to 2020-21 also sparked the competitive fire he needed to suit up for his country after a grueling NBA season.
At media availability from USA Basketball training camp on Thursday, Lillard explained how the Trail Blazers' disappointing performance against the Nuggets—who played without Jamal Murray, Will Barton and PJ Dozier—motivated him to compete in the Tokyo Olympics.
"I wasn't really sure at one point because I expected us to have a great, solid run at the playoffs this year and that ended up being cut short," Lillard said of playing for Team USA, per NBC Sports Northwest.
"The fact that the season wasn't extended for me... leaving a sour taste in my mouth after losing so early to a team that was beat up and injured when I expected to win that series, it gave me that itch to jump back in and play and have that chance to win."
In December, prior to the regular season, Lillard was noncommittal about his plans with USA Basketball this summer, his only promise that he wouldn't play if Portland won the NBA Finals.
The Blazers fell well short of that goal, obviously, an especially depressing reality for Lillard because he believed the unique nature of the 2020-21 season left the Larry O'Brien Trophy there for the taking.
"That's why it's even more disappointing for me, cause I felt like if any year you could shoulder the load and go get [a championship], it was this one," he said after Portland was eliminated by Denver.
While Rip City would no doubt prefer to be watching Lillard in the NBA Finals, at least Portland fans won't have to wait until 2021-22 to see him take the floor again.
Lillard and Team USA begin their exhibition slate on Saturday at 5:00 p.m. (PT) against Nigeria. The Americans tipoff official Olympic action on July 25 versus France.
[h/t Dylan Mickanen, NBC Sports Northwest]