Damian Lillard has been criticized throughout his career for not being a better defender. While not lackluster, the Portland Trail Blazers guard has shown tremendous improvement over the course of this series, especially after limiting Russell Westbrook to 14 points and a 5-of-20 shooting performance in Game 2:

“In the NBA, it's about team defense. Guys are so good at scoring the ball, making plays. Even when you play good defense, sometimes guys are still going to score,” said Lillard. “Early in my career I was criticized a lot for my defense. And a lot of times young players in the NBA struggle because you don't know the NBA lingo, you don't know the terms, you don't know what to expect.

“As my career's gone on, I've recognized teams' plays. I know I'm more familiar with players' tendencies. Just more up to speed … I've always had the effort. I've always cared about it.”

At 6-foot-3 and 195 pounds, it's tough for Lillard to be physically imposing as a point guard, but his cerebral approach to the game has surely helped him pick up the less-lauded side of this game.

Dame has averaged 1.1 steals in each of his last two seasons — not one of his strengths, but one he has fortified lately by his knowledge of players and plays.

The Blazers will need to count on his defense to get out of this first-round matchup against the Thunder, already holding a sound 2-0 lead as they take on the road for the next two tilts.