For Damian Lillard, making it to Oakland to play Golden State in Round Two wasn't just a homecoming on the court.
He got to spend some time with his family off of it, too.
As told by Mark Spears of ESPN's The Undefeated, between Round One's Game 6 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers and Round Two's start against the Warriors, Lillard was able to celebrate his grandfather's 80th birthday in Oakland.
Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard gave his grandfather, Albert Johnson, a priceless gift on Saturday night. Johnson not only celebrated a milestone 80th birthday, he celebrated with his busy grandson who surprised him at the party the night before a second round playoff series against the Golden State Warriors.
It wasn't a foregone conclusion Lillard that would be able to make it to the party. In fact, a personal reason for Lillard to clinch the fifth seed in the West to face the Clippers meant he might be able to attend. Doing so in six games ensured he'd be able to make it.
"During the Minnesota game, which was our second to last game of the (regular) season, I was like, 'Man, we need to make sure we get the five-seed so we can make sure we are playing the Clippers. If there was a day off in-between I could fly home and fly back," Lillard said.
Portland plays Golden State in Game 2 of their second round series on Tuesday at 7:30 p.m. PDT.