Damian Lillard Felt Back At Home On The Court

It’s been more than nine months since Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers played a game of professional basketball.

The star player was recovering from surgery and rehabilitation for months as his team tanked and prepared for the 2022-23 season.

That season is just about to start and Lillard is preparing to get back in the swing of things.

“I just felt relaxed. I just wanted to come out and have fun, just hoopin’ again.”

Damian Lillard on his first game in 10 months

“I was just happy that I felt good out there. I didn’t have anything on my mind other than just playing”#RipCity | @Dame_Lillard pic.twitter.com/WvohbUbJOm

— Orlando Sanchez (@orlandokgw) October 4, 2022

Speaking of his first game against the Los Angeles Clippers, Lillard seemed very satisfied.

“I just felt relaxed. I just wanted to come out and have fun, just hoopin’ again. I was just happy that I felt good out there. I didn’t have anything on my mind other than just playing.”

Lillard’s first game wasn’t a barnburner and it wasn’t as even as previous performances but there is hope – and belief – that he will shake off the rust and get back to his regular self soon.

Lillard Lacking (For Now)

Lillard’s shot selection wasn’t perfect in this preseason game and many of his attempts were short and he certainly didn’t look to be in sync with his team.

But he started to get better as the game went on, making four of his final seven shots and finishing with a team-high 16 points on 5-of-13 shooting in just 23 minutes.

Lillard might not be pitch-perfect right as the regular season starts but fans shod expect greatness from him again.

It remains to be seen if the rest of the team will be able to deliver too.

There is promise with the rest of the members of the Blazers but do they have what it takes to be led by Lillard into the postseason?