Damian Lillard on Making, and Missing, Big-Time Shots

Damian Lillard has come through time and time again in the clutch for the Portland Trail Blazers. However, Lillard, like virtually all players, has to deal with missing — instead of making — the big shot. But Lillard told Jim Rome on The Jim Rome Show that his preparation is key to him feeling confident in his game, make or miss:

“I think you can really work on your game to the point where you just believe in it so much — I think that’s what I’ve done. I know in my heart that I really, really work on my stuff hard, so I really believe in it.”

Lillard could hide with all eyes on him after a big miss. Yet he’s never one to let a miss affect him:

“When I don’t make those shots, it doesn’t break me down or make me lose confidence.”

And Lillard isn’t shy of failure because he believes in himself:

“I believe in my work, I believe in what I’m capable of, so I can deal with the failure of it.”

Lillard also talked about his routine when he’s sick and shared a story about former Warrior Joe Smith snubbing him of an autograph when he was younger while on The Jim Rome Show.