Damian Lillard Takes Once Last Shot at OKC by Saying Game-Winner Was 'For Seattle'
By Scott Rogust
The NBA offseason provides plenty of change throughout the league. However, no team was affected the most than the Oklahoma City Thunder.
Paul George? A Los Angeles Clipper. Russell Westbrook? A Houston Rocket. The catalyst of this drastic change in Oklahoma City? The dagger Game 5 three-pointer by Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lilliard.
Many pointed to the cold-blooded shot by Lillard, and the Portland star poked fun at the situation. During an appearance on Sports Business Radio, Lillard stated that his three-pointer was "for Seattle."
As if the Thunder fan base wasn't already feeling enough pain, they were dealt that final jab to the face.
In case you were unaware, the Thunder were formerly the Seattle Supersonics, who relocated to Oklahoma City in 2008 after then-owner and Starbucks CEO Howard Schultz sold the team to businessman Clay Bennett. What made matters sting more, Seattle lost Kevin Durant, who turned into a top five player in the NBA today, and Westbrook, who the team had just selected in the NBA Draft.
Following Lillard's clutch shot, George demanded a trade to the Clippers, thanks to the recruiting tactics of Kawhi Leonard. After the blockbuster trade, Westbrook demanded a trade out of OKC, especially with Shai Gilgeous-Alexander looking like the team's point guard of the future. Now, he rejoins former Thunder teammate James Harden in Houston.
Lillard let the record show that his Game 5 winner was not only for Portland, but for Seattle as well.