Report: Damian Lillard playing through separated ribs in Western Conference Finals

Damian Lillard struggled in the Blazers agonizing 110-99 Game 3 loss to Golden State in the Western Conference Finals as evidenced by his 5-for-18 shooting night, and has struggled for much of the past two rounds of Portland’s surprising postseason run.

An overwhelming amount of defensive attention has certainly contributed to his struggles, but are not the only reason for his fade.  Lillard is also playing through separated ribs, according to a report late Saturday night from Shams Charania of The Athletic and Stadium.

Portland Trail Blazers All-NBA star Damian Lillard has separated ribs and is playing through the injury, league sources tell @TheAthleticNBA @Stadium. Lillard shot 5-of-18 in Game 3 loss to Warriors.

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 19, 2019

Injury occurred in Game 2. The Warriors have clearly also done a tremendous job with their defensive schemes on the Blazers All-Star guard. https://t.co/HRduGqMT7W

— Shams Charania (@ShamsCharania) May 19, 2019

Lillard’s injury is thought to have come in Game Two when the Warriors’ Kevan Looney fell on top of Lillard while chasing a loose ball.

Damian Lillard appears to be holding his left rib after Kevon Looney rolled on top of him going after a loose ball. pic.twitter.com/p32fZff7Kn

— bounce (@el_catel) May 17, 2019

The news may not be surprising, but certainly affirms Rip City’s notion that all is not well physically with their franchise leader.  It also introduced the question that, trailing the Warriors 3-0, should Lillard even suit up and play in Game Four on Monday?

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