Denver is doing its best to slow down Damian Lillard.
The Trail Blazers star spoke about the Nuggets' approach Sunday after Portland's 116-112 loss. According to Lillard, the No. 2 seed in the Western Conference is trying to make him a "passive" player, and he can't allow that.
"Just don't let them turn me into a passive player." 👀
— NBA TV (@NBATV) May 6, 2019
Dame (28 PTS & 7 AST) speaks on how he is handling Denver's defense on him. #NBAPlayoffs pic.twitter.com/oUUVZMEy7R
"I think it's obvious they're trying to show bodies and make me play in the crowd, find the open man," Lillard told reporters. "And that's what I'm trying to do. Trying to see where the help is coming from, see where the other guy is coming from, make that play and still just find a way to be aggressive.
"Just don't let them turn me into a passive player," Lillard continued. "I can definitely see that they're trying to be a little more aggressive and have more bodies around me."
Lillard made what is, arguably, the biggest shot of the 2019 playoffs when he knocked down a 37-footer to eliminate the Thunder in the first round. The four-time All-Star was electric against Oklahoma City, and he's still averaging a little more than 27 points per game against the Nuggets. But, Denver isn't giving him the looks he has gotten in the past.
Lillard has been ridiculously efficient shooting deep 3-pointers in the postseason, but Trail Blazers coach Terry Stotts says the Nuggets are limiting his chances to launch them.
"I think they're picking him up pretty high (on defense)," Stotts said. The (3-pointers) need to be open. For Dame an open three is a good three. They're picking him up across half court. They're not giving him a lot of space. So I don't think those same three's are there."
Lillard finished with 28 points in Game 4. The Trail Blazers and Nuggets are tied at 2-2 and will face off Tuesday in Denver in Game 5.