Stotts on Loss Despite Lillard’s 60 Points, ‘It’s Disappointing’

The Trail Blazers loss to the Nets carried an extra sting considering that the result occurred during a sensational performance from star guard Damian Lillard. The former Weber State standout notched 60 points, setting both franchise and career highs. Regardless of that performance, the Blazers remained winless at home and dropped their fourth-consecutive game of the young season.

After the game, Trail Blazers beat reporter Casey Holdahl captured coach Terry Stotts’ response.

“It’s disappointing losing any game,” said Trail Blazers head coach Terry Stotts. “We’re 0-3 at home and a four-game losing streak – they’re all disappointing, but obviously Dame was exceptional tonight. He carried us to at least put us in a position to win the game. It is disappointing but like I’ve said, Dame’s a special player. He shoulders a lot of responsibility for us.”

Lillard, who has crossed the 30-point threshold in three out of the last four games, focused on the lack of late-game execution following the Blazers’ latest defeat.

“I think we’re in position to win games and we’re in position in the third quarter, in the fourth quarter and you’ve got to be present mentally and physically,” said Lillard. “You’ve got to be willing to do a little bit more than the other team to win games. I think we compete, I think we are together, I think we’re trying to do all the right things, but that little bit of wanting it more than the other team and wanting it more doesn’t mean playing harder. It means being able to be sharp one more possession, being able to do your job when you’re tired and when you’re wearing down, being able to count on the next guy to do his job and trust him to do that so you do your job right.”

Through nine games, Lillard is averaging 33 points per game on 49.5 percent shooting from the field. The Blazers record of 3-6 is currently the 11-best record in the Western Conference prior to Saturday’s slate of games.

The Blazers will look to get back on track against the Hawks on Sunday. You can read Holdahl’s complete post-game report by clicking here.