Damian Lillard was an absolute nightmare for the Oklahoma City Thunder to guard in the first round of the playoffs, and heading into the Western Conference Semifinals the Denver Nuggets knew they would have their hands full.
Lillard was able to put up 39 points but shot just 4-for-12 from 3-point range in the Blazers' 121-113 Game 1 loss to the Nuggets.
"We just made him uncomfortable,” Nuggets guard Jamal Murray said of the job his team did on Lillard.
In addition to the poor shooting from range, the Nuggets also forced Dame into six turnovers — a game-high.
Late in the game, Gary Harris also swatted away one of Lillard's 3-point attempts, which closed the door on the Nuggets victory.
Lillard told the media that the Nuggets' defensive approach was similar to that of the Thunder's in the first round, but ultimately sloppy play and turnovers allowed the first game of the series to get away from them.
"That was a huge part of it. I know I had six (turnovers) myself," Lillard said after the game. "As much as I have the ball, I'm responsible for valuing possessions.
"On the road, against a team that plays much faster, much better at home, especially when they get out in transition and shoot 3s and get the ball moving, just gave them too many opportunities.
"23 points off turnovers, that's always going to hurt you."
Portland will have the chance to bounce back in Game 2 on Wednesday night in Denver.
