Lillard Told Blazers During Game 5: ‘We Just Need to Get Back Here’

The Portland Trail Blazers’ magical season and playoff run is on the verge of ending as they face a 3-2 series deficit against the Denver Nuggets. As Portland’s blowout loss to the Nuggets came to a close, Damian Lillard had the same message for each player (via Jason Quick of The Athletic):

“We just need to get back here,” Lillard said he repeated to each player.

“Here” means Denver, and the only way that happens is if Portland forces a Game 7 with a Game 6 win in Portland.

Maurice Harkless thought Lillard’s simple but strong message was exactly what the team needed heading into Game 6:

“I thought it was a great message from our leader,” Maurice Harkless said. “He’s right. The series is not over. It’s far from over.”

Lillard also talked about how special things are born out of overcoming adversity:

“Any time you have something special, it’s not special because it was easy,” Lillard said. “It’s not special because you were never in a tough position. That’s where we are now: facing elimination, and that’s what makes this special.”

You can read more from Quick here (subscription required).