Damian Lillard sank the Los Angeles Lakers: the return to their best level and the keys to an undefeated Portland Trail Blazers

If after a bad first game, there was any doubt about what the present of Damian Lillardafter missing much of the previous campaign due to physical problems, the last two games have once again put the point guard among the figures of the league.

First, he scored 41 points to the Suns in a victory in supplementary by 113-111 and this Sunday, repeated that mark of 41 units to beat the Lakers 106-104including a pivotal three-pointer with 12 seconds remaining. give me time pure.

DOLLA ⌚️

41 PTS | 6 3PM | 5 SBR pic.twitter.com/8F0nJ1HB6d

— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) October 23, 2022

Clearly, that explosive, scoring Lillard hadn’t gone anywhere. And that already recovered from the problems that complicated it in 2021-2022, it is ready to claim its place of privilege in the competition. However, what really excites these Blazers is not only the level of give to mebut what the whole team has been showing at the start of the season.

The 3-0 record speaks for itself, but beyond the victories, there are noticeably improved facets compared to the previous campaign. Mainly with regard to defensive theme.

Even Lillard himself is leaving highlights on that side.

.@Dame_Lillard out of nowhere like an RKO 😤#RipCity pic.twitter.com/ODpwxJPWc1

— Portland Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) October 23, 2022

The sample is obviously minimal, but the Blazers have already three consecutive games at a high level in the own field. Something that has rarely happened in recent years and that can be explained from a few names: the inclusion of Josh Hart Y Jerami Grant has been essential to consolidate the starting lineup, but also what some versatile forwards give from the second unit, such as Justise Winslow (used even as an interior in small lineups) and the recently renovated Nassir Little.

If Portland is going to be at least a solid defensive team, on the other side He has heavy ammunition to fight. Perhaps not at the top of the West as in this start, but in Playoffs or Play-In positions.

Especially when you take into account that one of his supposed direct rivals for that fight, Los Angeles Lakersaccumulate three defeats in three presentations, with sensations as bad as their record.