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Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard irritated an ongoing abdomen injury during tonight’s disappointing loss to the Cleveland Cavaliers.
According to Jack Winter of Clutch Sports, the point guard told reporters after the 104-107 result in Cleveland that the injury flared up during the second quarter.
Damian Lillard says he "irritated" a longtime core injury in the second quarter against Cleveland. He's been dealing with it for years, including a flare-up at the Olympics this summer.
— Jack Winter (@ArmstrongWinter) November 4, 2021
Lillard, who has dealt with the issue throughout his nine-year NBA career, also battled the injury during his gold-medal performance at this year’s 2021 Tokyo Olympics.
The abdomen complaint might help explain Lillard’s current play. He has started the season with an uncharacteristically subpar shooting slump. Across eight games, Lillard is averaging 23.4 percent on 9.6 three-point attempts while also shooting 35.3 percent from the field.
Lillard acknowledged the Blazers would have likely won this evening if he was able to deliver a performance he’s typically known for.
Dame after loss to Cavs: "I think a game like tonight, if I'm doing what I'm supposed to do and making shots, I could've got this game done."
— Jack Winter (@ArmstrongWinter) November 4, 2021
Lillard and the Blazers have a chance to get back on the winners’ list on Friday, hosting the Indiana Pacers at the Moda Center.
Update:
The Blazers have uploaded the press conference to YouTube.
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