Damian Lillard says the Portland Trail Blazers have to “get a little smarter” in how they are dealing with officials in their first round series against the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Lillard and Blazers shooting guard CJ McCollum combined for less free throw attempts (14) than Thunder star small forward Paul George (17) had in Game 3.
“We are going to have to get a little smarter and realize how the game is being called,” Lillard said, via Jason Quick of The Athletic. “If it’s a quick whistle to every bump, every little grab and contact in the paint, we have to recognize that, and maybe we need to dial that back a little bit.”
The series between the Blazers and Thunder has been very chippy. Lillard and Thunder superstar guard Russell Westbrook have been going at it nonstop. The refs are probably calling the series a little tight because of that.
The Blazers lost Game 3 by a final score of 120-108. Westbrook and Lillard were talking smack all game. Westbrook was also jawing with Blazers swingman Moe Harkless, who fouled out and got ejected for throwing his mouth piece after he fouled out.
Game 4 of this series is on Sunday. Expect both teams to continue to be physical with each other despite the refs blowing their whistle a lot.
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