Lillard Confirms Injury But Insists That It Was Not An Excuse

A struggling Damian Lillard has been evident in Game Three of the ongoing Western Conference Finals match-up against the defending champions Golden State Warriors which resulted to a 110-99 loss and now facing a 0-3 series deficit thus faces elimination on Monday.

There is a reason for such though, as he suffered a rib injury in Game Two of their encounter with Golden State where he and Kevon Looney was seen diving for a loose ball in the third quarter action. Unfortunately Looney jumped over Lillard to make him land in his chest first then afterwards the play, he was visibly hurt.

Despite Damian Lillard appearing to injure his ribs on this play in Game 2, Portland's star has been playing through his injury.

Dame played 40 min in Game 3. pic.twitter.com/VXLTTqJNnM

— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) May 19, 2019

This was confirmed by a report from Shams Charania of the Atheltic :

Portland Trail Blazers All-NBA star Damian Lillard has separated ribs and is playing through the injury, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. Lillard shot 5-of-18 in Game 3 loss to Warriors.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 19, 2019

But he quickly downplayed the said injury thus he continued to play for his team.

“I don’t think it’s something that’s affecting my game. It’s there but it’s not something that’s affecting anything that I’m doing. Obviously you feel it, but that’s it,” Damian said.

“I feel fine,” Lillard said. “I finished (Game 2) and I played last night (Game 3).

Lillard finished with 19 points (5-18 field goal), 6 rebounds and 6 assists last game in a losing effort and seeing his team go down 0-3 in the Western Conference Finals against the depleted roster of Golden State who still without Demarcus Cousins, Kevin Durant and recently Andre Igoudala.