Latest news with #Blazers
Yahoo
2 hours ago
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Steph Curry admits he watches his own highlights for inspiration: "I might get bored once a week"
Steph Curry admits he watches his own highlights for inspiration: "I might get bored once a week" originally appeared on Basketball Network. Every great player finds inspiration in different ways. Some turn to old mentors, some replay their greatest games in their heads and some search for new motivation in the grind to be the best they can possibly be. Stephen Curry? He likes to open YouTube and rewatch some of his best games and performances. The greatest shooter to ever touch a basketball admitted that even after all these years, he still pulls up his own highlights when he needs a little extra juice. "Oh, for sure," answered Curry when asked if he ever watched his 62-point masterpiece on YouTube. "How often? I might get like bored once a week and it just something might pop up so you might go search for it. Just to, you know, get a little inspiration," explained the greatest shooter in NBA history. For a player who's revolutionized the game, even Steph sometimes has to remind himself exactly who he is. Chef's career night against the Blazers Curry's all-time scoring high came on January 3, 2021, in a duel against the Portland Trail Blazers, when he poured in 62 points on a barrage of deep threes and that signature swagger of his. It wasn't just about the number itself, it was a proof that Steph is one of the best players, not just in modern times, but in forever. At the time, some questioned whether he could still carry a team on his own after an injury-plagued season and Kevin Durant's departure. That night silenced all of it. He became the second-oldest player in NBA history to score 60-plus in a game (at that time), doing it in just 36 minutes of play. He hit nine threes, went 18-of-31 from the field, and buried 18 of 19 free throws. More than anything, it was a pure Chef performance. No wonder he still goes back to watch it. Nights like that aren't just highlights; they're reminders of the standard he's set for himself and the has his eyes on another title Now, heading into next season, Curry's search for inspiration might look a little different, because the goal is as clear as ever: a fifth ring. The Golden State Warriors don't look exactly like the dynasty we're used to seeing. His Splash Brother, Klay Thompson, isn't there anymore, but Draymond Green is still by his side and the front office went out and brought in Jimmy Butler during last campaign's trade deadline, a proven dawg when the playoffs come around. The core knows what's at stake. They just need to stay healthy, and they need one more piece to step up. Whether that's Brandin Podziemski growing into his role, Buddy Hield providing a spark or someone else emerging as a key piece. Because, as the Davidson alumn said himself, it takes more than just one or two players to win it all. "On the surface, that's why he signed for two more years — our belief we can make it work," Steph shared recently. "And we've proven that the last three months. Just gotta figure out what is going to get us to the next level as a whole. One guy can't win it. Two guys can't win it. It's gotta be a team." Still, when the season reaches its boiling point and the stakes are highest, you can bet Curry will do what he's always done. He'll look for that spark. And if that means firing up YouTube to watch himself torch defenses, well, lucky for him, he's got no shortage of highlights to choose story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 28, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
5 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
"You know Michael is not going to beat you with it very often" - Clyde Drexler wasn't worried despite MJ torching his Blazers with six threes in Game 1 of the 1992 Finals
"You know Michael is not going to beat you with it very often" - Clyde Drexler wasn't worried despite MJ torching his Blazers with six threes in Game 1 of the 1992 Finals originally appeared on Basketball Network. Chicago Bulls icon Michael Jordan put up one of the most unforgettable NBA Finals performances of all time when he torched Clyde Drexler's Portland Trail Blazers with six 3-pointers in the first half of Game 1 of the 1992 Finals. He punctuated the great moment by looking at the announcer's table and shrugging in disbelief as he ran back to play defense. Like a true master, MJ reined his emotions in and thought about what the 3-point barrage meant from a tactical perspective. He figured his hot hand opened up more things for him and his teammates, which put immense pressure on the Blazers' defense. "I like to get those outside shots to set up the guessing part of my offense," Jordan said, per the Chicago Tribune. "If I start hitting my outside shot, that opens up a lot of things for me and it makes it even tougher for the defense because they have to guess what Michael Jordan is going to do now." "'Is he going to shoot the ball? Is he going to drive? Is he going to penerate? Is he going to dunk on me?' It leaves them guessing and in that respect, I feel I have the advantage," he pointed out. Blazers were not concerned Jordan finished with 39 points, which was enough to lead the Bulls to a 122-89 victory. When the smoke had subsided, the Blazers settled down and started preparing their minds and bodies for Game 2. Point guard Terry Porter boldly proclaimed that they had to throw Game 1 out of the window. Jordan's performance was an anomaly and likely won't happen again, a belief echoed by Drexler and Danny Ainge. "You don't want to give him that shot," Drexler said, "But at the same time, you know Michael is not going to beat you with it very often." "I don't think anyone expects Michael Jordan to shoot 10 three-pointers," Ainge agreed. "And even if he makes a couple, that's better than the alternative-driving to the basket, creating shots for his teammates, dunking, getting to the free-throw line," Danny pointed out. "We'd like to get a little more pressure on him out there, but it would be silly for us to run at him and allow him to do what we set out not to let him do and that's get to the basket."Team sport Meanwhile, Blazers head coach Rick Adelman offered a similar perspective. While the crowd was going crazy every time Jordan knocked down a 3-pointer, Adelman and his staff kept cool, calm and collected. MJ jacking up shots almost every possession meant the other Bulls were not building an offensive rhythm. "I see us giving up 11 offensive rebounds and making 12 turnovers and that's totally why we were down 15 points at the half," said Adelman. "We could still be in the game, surviving Jordan's 35 points, because no one else was scoring. We outscored him by 16 ourselves." True enough, Mike was 0-of-4 from downtown in Game 2. While he had 39 points again, the Blazers' balanced effort powered them to a 115-104 victory. It may not have worked out for them in the end as Chicago won the championship in six games, but Portland proved they were worthy story was originally reported by Basketball Network on Jul 24, 2025, where it first appeared.
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Damian Lillard returning to Blazers on $42 million contract
The post Damian Lillard returning to Blazers on $42 million contract appeared first on ClutchPoints. Just a few weeks after Damian Lillard was waived and stretched by the Milwaukee Bucks, the star point guard has found his way back to where it all started for him, signing with the Portland Trail Blazers, according to ESPN's Shams Charania. 'BREAKING: Nine-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard is finalizing a three-year, $42 million contract to return to the Portland Trail Blazers, sources tell ESPN. Deal is expected to include a player option in 2027-28 and a no-trade clause. A storybook reunion home for the 35-year-old,' Charania wrote. There were several teams rumored to have interest in Lillard, but it looks like he valued going back to the Blazers, where he's had much of his success in the league. After tearing his Achilles in the first round of the playoffs against the Indiana Pacers and then getting waived, there was uncertainty on whether Lillard would wait to sign with a team or immediately make a decision. In the end, it looked like he wanted to go back to what was familiar and where he had the most rapport. 'Lillard will use the 2025-26 season to rehabilitate a torn Achilles tendon, but a return to the franchise and Portland where his family and kids reside were of the ultimate importance. He also had multiple mid-level exception and minimum offers from NBA contenders,' Charania wrote. Before being traded from the Bucks, Lillard was with the Blazers for 11 seasons, averaging 25.2 points and 6.7 assists with the team. He helped the Blazers get to the playoffs several times and also had some of his most iconic moments with the franchise, including two buzzer-beater 3-pointers to advance to the next round of the playoffs. Blazers fans should be excited for the return of Lillard, and the team probably won't rush him to return from his Achilles recovery. For now, his focus should be on getting back fully healthy. Related: Dwyane Wade gets 100% real about Damian Lillard's Trail Blazers return Related: NBA-watching world reacts to Damian Lillard's Blazers return
Yahoo
6 days ago
- Sport
- Yahoo
Why Damian Lillard is allowed to have no-trade clause in contract
The post Why Damian Lillard is allowed to have no-trade clause in contract appeared first on ClutchPoints. 'Dame time' is returning to the Portland Trail Blazers. Damian Lillard is heading back to the place where he became a perennial NBA All-Star. Signing a blockbuster $42 million deal Thursday to return to the Trail Blazers. But here's what's immediately noticeable about his contract. The now former Milwaukee Bucks guard Lillard comes with a no-trade clause. Meaning Portland can't consider dealing him away after relocking him in. Why is it that Lillard can have such a clause attached to him? ESPN NBA insider Bobby Marks broke it down. 'Damian Lillard is allowed to have a no trade clause in his contract despite not playing with the Trail Blazers the past two years. Criteria: Eight years in the NBA, four years of accrued service with that particular team. Lillard earned this with Portland prior to being traded,' Marks said. Long story short, no other franchises can offer deals to nab Lillard if they want to make a trade with the Blazers. What Damian Lillard walks into in Blazers return Lillard remains one of the franchise's most beloved players ever. And Portland was home to NBA legends Bill Walton, Clyde Drexler and Brandon Roy. Lillard averaged 25.2 points per game and delivered some epic postseason moments. Including hitting two final buzzer-beating threes. This time he's a 35-year-old veteran in a younger locker room. Lillard also is fresh off an Achilles ailment that wiped away his postseason run with the Bucks. ESPN insider Shams Charania revealed Lillard's approach for the upcoming season. 'Lillard will use the 2025-26 season to rehabilitate a torn Achilles tendon, but a return to the franchise and Portland where his family and kids reside were of the ultimate importance. He also had multiple mid-level exception and minimum offers from NBA contenders,' Charania wrote on X. This time Yang Hansen leads the rookie movement in Portland. The roster will also feature young star Shaedon Sharpe, who delivered 18.5 points per game. Lillard, though, teams with a familiar face in Jrue Holiday. The guard moved in the stunning Anfernee Simons trade back on June 23. Holiday and Lillard played briefly in Milwaukee. Now will lead the Blazers here. Related: Dwyane Wade gets 100% real about Damian Lillard's Trail Blazers return Related: NBA-watching world reacts to Damian Lillard's Blazers return
San Francisco Chronicle
22-07-2025
- Sport
- San Francisco Chronicle
Injured Damian Lillard is grateful to be 'back home' with the Trail Blazers
PORTLAND, Ore. (AP) — It hit Damian Lillard as he drove home with his kids after signing a contract to return to the Portland Trail Blazers. He was coming home. Lillard's three children, Damian Jr., 7, and twins Kalii and Kali, 4, accompanied him to sign his three-year, $42 million deal with the Blazers over the weekend. The contract includes a no-trade clause and he can opt out after two seasons. 'Just knowing that I'm going to be back home for all parts of my life, with my kids, playing for the Trail Blazers, driving on the same streets that I've driven on pretty much my entire adulthood, my whole family being here, my mom, my brother, my sisters, all my friends around the city of Portland,' he said. 'All of those things count. I wasn't expecting it to happen so soon.' Lillard played for Portland for his first 11 NBA seasons before he was traded, at his request, to the Milwaukee Bucks before the start of the 2023-24 season. A nine-time All-Star, the 35-year-old Lillard is beloved in Portland, known for pointing to his wrist to signify 'Dame Time' after making big shots. Lillard tore his left Achilles tendon during a first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers and required surgery that will likely sideline him for the 2025-26 season. The Bucks waived him earlier this month and stretched the remaining $113 million on his contract over five years. 'I told him that this year he's going to be the highest-paid assistant coach in league history because I'll be putting in the work every day,' Billups said. Lillard didn't rule out the possibility of coming back this season, but Cronin said the team would wait 'as long as it takes.' 'My prideful self would be thinking differently, but I think with age, you get wiser,' Lillard said. 'Like Joe said, it's going to be ultimately what's best, I think, to take the as much time as possible to make sure that I'm right, that's what I'll do.' Lillard ranked 10th in the league in scoring (24.9) and assists (7.1) this past season while earning his ninth All-Star selection. But he was limited to 58 games by deep vein thrombosis. He averaged a career-high 32.2 points his final season in Portland. That season, he became just the seventh player in NBA history to score more than 70 points in a game when he finished with 71 against the Houston Rockets. Portland won only four playoff series during Lillard's tenure, getting to the Western Conference finals once. Lillard always insisted there are no hard feelings over his separation with the Blazers. He wanted to try and chase a championship with Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Bucks, while Portland was focused on developing young players like Scoot Henderson and Shaedon Sharpe. Lillard, who has a signature shoe deal with Adidas, hinted during an event at the company's North American headquarters in 2024 that he might be willing to return to the Trail Blazers. He never imagined that an injury would speed up the timeline. The No. 6 overall pick in the 2012 draft by Portland, Lillard holds franchise records for points (19,376) and 3-pointers (2,387). He had five games of 60 or more points with Portland. For his career, Lillard has averaged 25.1 points and 6.7 assists. He was the 2013 Rookie of the Year and was named to the NBA's 75th Anniversary team in 2021. He won a gold medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Lillard said his kids finally understood the significance of his homecoming during that drive home over the weekend. 'I got to a red light, and I just turned around and my daughter was looking at me and I told her,' Lillard said. 'And she was like, 'Wait, so, like, we don't have to get on an airplane to Milwaukee no more?'' ___
