Sports
Damian Lillard Admits Stephen Curry and Warriors Are His Biggest Competition as a Defender
Stephen Curry and Damian Lillard are two of the best point guards in the league, which means that the two superstars have always been pitted against each other. In recent times, the two have been compared even more, because both of them just keep getting better and better.
While the two of them have brought considerable success to their teams, Curry has managed to add championships to his name. However, the two have always shown mutual respect for one another.
So, when Lillard had to pick a team and a player, he always has a tough time defending, he couldn’t think of anyone but the Warriors and Curry.
Damian Lillard on defending Stephen Curry
Nov 26, 2021; San Francisco, California, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) passes the ball by Golden State Warriors guard Stephen Curry (30) during the second quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
In a Q & A with Blazers’ Damian Lillard, he was asked about the hardest team to deal with in pick and roll situations. Although the guard had to pause and think for a while, the answer eventually came to him. “The hardest team to deal with in PNR situations, when I’m the defender, I would say probably Golden State,” he started off.
“Just because they’re so unpredictable, and Steph is always moving, even when he comes off the pick n roll.” He further explained, “If you trap him, he’s throwing it back and cutting. Ya know they got people screening and pinning in, screening for him, there’s just a lot of things they do out of their pick n rolls, even though it’s not high value for them. So defensively I would say Golden State with Steph involved.”
WATCH THIS STORY: 5 Lessons To Learn From Kobe Bryant’s Mamba Mentality
Miami Heat also made the cut
DENVER, CO – FEBRUARY 23: Monte Morris (11) of the Denver Nuggets defends Damian Lillard (0) of the Portland Trail Blazers during the third quarter at Ball Arena on Tuesday, February 23, 2021. (Photo by AAron Ontiveroz/MediaNews Group/The Denver Post via Getty Images)
However, if the Portland Trail Blazers superstar had to choose when he’s on offense, his answer would be different. He picked the Miami Heat because of their versatility and their powerful defense. In fact, he believes that they work really well together.
They also make it a point to toughen the job for any of their opponents.
For Lillard, an offensive beast, to pick Steph as his fiercest rival, is a big compliment in itself. However, this isn’t a shock to anyone because the Golden State Warriors point guard has really made a name for himself in the league.
Even though the debate about the better player between the two might never be settled, they are both going to become Hall of Famers.
The post Damian Lillard Admits Stephen Curry and Warriors Are His Biggest Competition as a Defender appeared first on EssentiallySports.
