Damian Lillard vs. Tony Parker
There's something about the San Antonio Spurs that brings out the best in Damian Lillard. In four career games against the Spurs, a team that currently sit atop the Western Conference standings, Lillard is shooting 51 percent from the field, 46 percent from three, 7.0 assists and just 2.3 turnovers in 38.6 minutes per game. His scoring average of 27.3 points in games against the Spurs is his highest versus any opponent while his rebounding (5.0 per game) and true shooting percentage (65 percent) are second-highest. Given all of that, it's hardly surprising that the Trail Blazers are 3-1 against the Spurs in Lillard's career.
While Tony Parker's per game stats versus the Trail Blazers of 16.1 points on 48 percent shooting and 5.3 assists aren't nearly as gaudy as Lilard's, Parker has much more experience having played 40 games against Portland during the course of his 12-year career. And of course, Parker has won multiple NBA Championships while Lillard is trying to help his team get to the playoffs for the first time in three years.
If Lillard is once against able to get the best of Parker while also leading his team to victory, it could give him an advantage in the eyes of Western Conference coaches when it comes time to vote for All-Star reserves. Ending San Antonio's six-game winning streak will be the main objective, but all the better if Lillard can add to his All-Star resume in the process.
Damian Lillard
• Currently leads the NBA in three-pointers made with 125 and is seventh in the league in three-point percentage at 45 percent
• At 21.6 points per game, Lillard ranks 11th overall and second among point guards in scoring
• Recently visited students and staff at Wilsonville High School to tip-off the second year of the “Respect, Pass it On” program
Tony Parker
• First among NBA point guards in field goal percentage (51 percent) while ranking 27th overall in scoring at 18.1 points per game
• Is shooting 60 percent in the restricted area and 47 percent in the paint this season
• Ranks seventh among Western Conference frontcourt players in All-Star voting with 195,328 votes, 33,000 more than Lillard