Damian Lillard: Portland Trail Blazers guard has plenty to prove in NBA playoffs

Blazers guard also hailed British team-mate Joel Freeland

(Getty Images)

Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard has already accomplished plenty in his NBA career, but the 24-year-old wants to accomplish a lot more and plans to do so in the upcoming play-offs.

Lillard won the Rookie of the Year award in his first season as well as being named an All-Star for the second time this season.

"It’s easy to motivate myself. I haven’t won a championship yet, there are a lot of things that I haven’t accomplished. I’m still early in my career, I’ve got a lot that I can be better at and a lot that I need to accomplish," said Lillard.

Portland reached the Western Conference semi-finals last year after topping the Houston Rockets in the first round, but then lost 4-1 to eventual the winners, the San Antonio Spurs, an experience which Lillard claims will help him in the future.

Lillard added: "We got off to a 2-0 lead on the road last year and it has been easy for us to get complacent but we stayed focused. We’ll figure out what we need to do to give ourselves the best chance to win it.

"The best lesson was playing against the Spurs. I think they showed us a great example of the brand of basketball that you need to play to be champions. I think we took a lot home from that series."

In his short time in the NBA the point guard has developed a reputation as a maker of big shots when time is running down - in last season's post-season he eliminated the Houston Rockets with a pressure three as the final buzzer sounded.

"You know I think it just takes confidence – you got to be fearless. You can’t be afraid of missing the shot. I think that’s what it is. You got to be a believer. You got to be someone who’s put in the time to thrive in those moments. Without confidence, if you’re scared to miss or if you’re scared to fail, then you don’t have a chance."

Lillard also hailed the impact of Surrey-born team-mate Joel Freeland, who he claimed will be 'a lot more important' than he gets credit for. The Team GB star has struggled with injuries again this season - playing just 48 of 82 games - but averaged 20 minutes in the final three games of the season.

"Joel is a lot more important than people think he is. He’s one of those guys that in practice he’s constantly challenging guys and he’s competing and one of our better defender," said Lillard.

With big men LaMarcus Aldridge, Robin Lopez and Chris Kaman all below 100 per cent, Freeland could see action in the play-offs.

"Every time Joel gets in the game you know what you are going to get from him. Anytime you have a guy like that – that you know what you’re going get every time – it’s comforting as a teammate and I’m sure as a coach," said Lillard.

The Trail Blazers face the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the Western Confernce play-offs with the first clash on Sunday.