The basketball community was surprised to find out that Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard was not included as a starter in the NBA All-Star Game to be held in Atlanta. Cleveland Cavaliers big man Kevin Love shared his thoughts on Lillard.

There is a possibility that Lillard will take his All-Star “benching” personally and go off in the All-Star Game. Even when defenses key on stopping Lillard, he continues to light it up from everywhere and get his teammates involved. Since defense is rarely played during the All-Star Game, we might just witness a new level of Dame Time for four quarters.

In the 2004 edition, Shaquille O'Neal snagged the All-Star MVP while coming off the bench. Shaq finished with 24 points and 11 boards and outplayed the West starting center Yao Ming. There is a precedent for Love's inquiry.

Lillard has carried the Blazers on his back en route to an 18-10 record and fourth in the Western Conference. He has been one of the most clutch performers these past few seasons. They are currently riding a six-game winning streak. What makes this more impressive is that starters, guard CJ McCollum and center Jusuf Nurkic have been unavailable due to injuries.

This season, Damian Lillard is in MVP conversations, albeit as a dark horse candidate. As the focal point of the Portland offense, he is putting up 29.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, 7.7 dimes, and 1.1 steals. With his competitive fire and mentality, it would not be a surprise if he outperforms Dallas Mavericks star Luka Doncic, who edged him out as a starter.