Blazers’ Lillard officially in MVP award conversation
Portland Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts said it best. “Damian Lillard is special. If it’s not obvious, I’ll say it.”
He didn’t need to say it. It’s obvious. Monday was just the latest example.
Midway through the fourth quarter and his team down 11 points to the Los Angeles Lakers, Lillard took over. He scored 19 in the quarter and 39 overall to lead the Blazers to their seventh win in a row and sole possession of third place in the NBA Western Conference.
Lillard has been doing this for some time, and though the national recognition hasn’t always followed, there’s no denying his impact.
USA TODAY’s weekly NBA MVP rankings, as voted on by Sam Amick, Jeff Zillgitt, Michael Singer and AJ Neuharth-Keusch (records and stats entering Tuesday).
1. James Harden, Rockets
Last week’s ranking: No. 1
Season stats: 31.2 points, 8.9 assists, 5.2 rebounds, 1.9 steals, 44.7% shooting
The Rockets are 32-1 in games that Harden, Chris Paul and Clint Capela have played and they’re riding the second-longest winning streak (15 games) in team history (going into Tuesday).
2. Anthony Davis, Pelicans
Last week’s ranking: No. 2 Season stats: 28.0 points, 11.1 rebounds, 2.4 assists, 2.2 blocks, 53.5% shooting
The Pelicans have won eight in a row, are 10 games over .500 for the first time in Davis’ career and sit in fourth place in the Western Conference. His per-game averages since New Orleans’ last loss are 37.3 points, 14.8 rebounds, 3.0 steals and 2.8 blocks.
3. LeBron James, Cavaliers
Last week’s ranking: No. 3 Season stats: 26.8 points, 9.0 as- sists, 8.4 rebounds, 1.5 steals, 54.4% shooting
The Cavs grabbed a much-needed win over Detroit on Monday. James had 31 points (on 11-for-17 shooting), seven assists and seven rebounds. He also went 5-for-7 from beyond the arc — his fourth game this season with five or more three-pointers made.
4. Kevin Durant, Warriors
Last week’s ranking: No. 5 Season stats: 26.1 points, 6.7 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.9 blocks, 52.6% shooting
Durant might never win another MVP award so long as he is playing alongside Stephen Curry, but he will certainly never leave the discussion.
5. Damian Lillard, Trail Blazers
Last week’s ranking: Not ranked Season stats: 26.6 points, 6.5 assists, 4.5 rebounds, 1.0 steals, 44.6% shooting
Lillard is posting per-game averages of 32.6 points (on 46.1% shooting), 6.4 assists and 4.4 rebounds during Portland’s seven-game winning streak. Also during this streak: He has an average plus-minus of +9.4 and a league-high 68 fourth-quarter points, a testament to his status as one of the league’s deadliest crunchtime players.