The Los Angeles Clippers handed a crucial loss to the Portland Trail Blazers on Saturday, which decelerated point guard Damian Lillard and the Blazers’ chances of making the postseason.
During the game, Lillard was taunted by the Clippers’ Patrick Beverley and Paul George. He responded to the Clippers’ antics following the game by saying it was technically a sign of respect.
George appeared to have the last laugh as he silenced Lillard’s confident comments on social media. However, the gritty guard fired back at George.
Gotta love the NBA pic.twitter.com/7OR8jF3rqO
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) August 8, 2020
Dame responds to PG and Pat Bev 👀 pic.twitter.com/82PkksfU9j
— Bleacher Report (@BleacherReport) August 8, 2020
The Clippers beat the Blazers on Saturday by a score of 122-117.
Lillard, 30, put up 22 points, five assists and three boards in the losing effort. He shot 10-for-23 from the field.
On the other end, George collected 21 points, six rebounds, four assists and two steals. The forward led the Clippers in scoring with Kawhi Leonard sitting out due to knee soreness.
George and Lillard have strong history.
The Blazers superstar knocked down a remarkable game-winner on George at the end of Game 5 of the first round of the 2019 Western Conference playoffs. The captivating shot eliminated George and the Oklahoma City Thunder, who he played for at the time.
Now, George is gearing up for a long playoff run with the Clippers, while Lillard and the Blazers may not even make the postseason.
The Clippers are the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference, while the Blazers are the No. 9 seed.