Damian Lillard praised his backcourt mate C.J McCollum for being a game changer for the Portland Trail Blazers, despite his injury.
McCollum has been dealing with a back injury since the season restarted over two weeks ago.
The versatile guard averaged 18.3 points for the Blazers in the eighth seeding games, while he scored 29 points against the Memphis Grizzlies on Saturday to help Portland seal its place in the postseason.
“His back has been messed up the whole time since the first game, but he gave no excuses. He didn’t sit out or look for a way out. He just stayed with it.
I know who I’m stepping on the court with, and there’s a reason I got the faith and trust in him that I do. People saw his character and who he truly is. He’s still hurt. But when it comes down to it, he rises to the occasion. That’s who he is and what I expect from him,” Lillard said, per Mark Medina of USA TODAY Sports.
Lillard, McCollum and the Blazers will clash with the Lakers in the first round of the playoffs.
