Lillard recollects ‘loopy’ playoff ambiance vs. Warriors at Oracle initially appeared on NBC Sports activities Bay Space
Damian Lillard, regardless of being an Oakland native, in all probability loved the Warriors’ dynastic success lower than anybody with Bay Space roots.
The eight-time NBA All-Star confronted prime Golden State in three totally different playoff sequence with the Portland Path Blazers and was defeated each time. The truth is, Lillard has received just one postseason recreation towards the Warriors all through his 12-year profession.
Repeatedly shedding to Golden State — when it issues most – nonetheless frustrates Lillard. However what he remembers most about his unfavorable battles towards Steph Curry and the Warriors are the roaring Oracle Area crowds.
“We might be up 9 and there could be 5 minutes left within the third quarter, we go into the fourth quarter down eight. It occurs quick,” Lillard stated Monday on Jeff Teague’s “Membership 520” Podcast (h/t Sports activities Illustrated’s Farbod Esnaashari). “They hit one three, you hear the group, see everyone arise.
“You simply wanting round like, “Rattling, it appears like we down 20.’ They arrive again, hit one other one … That is the one crowd I’ve performed towards at Oracle, the place we could possibly be successful and it felt like the sport was slipping away. That is how loopy it was in there. Steph hit a 3, Klay hit a 3, timeout. That stroll again to the bench was like, ‘Rattling.’”
Dub Nation has given many opposing groups and fanbases nightmares during the last decade.
However Oracle Area nights have been totally different with “The City” in full pressure.
Lillard has dominated towards the Warriors when it counts. He has averaged 27.6 factors, 6.5 assists and 4.5 rebounds in 13 profession playoff video games towards Golden State.
However even he is aware of the Warriors of Oakland have been a special beast and coming for you whatever the rating.
“Golden State simply powerful as a result of taking part in them within the playoffs,” Lillard added. “We performed them my fourth 12 months within the second spherical… we have been up double digits in each recreation. We misplaced 4-1, however we may have crushed them 4-1.”
But, each group that “may have” crushed the prime Warriors by no means did.
Chase Heart is a testomony to Golden State’s success and progress as an NBA franchise.
However Lillard, as everybody else ought to, understands that the Warriors — as followers know them at the moment — got here to be from Oracle Area.
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