It's well documented that two of the NBA's biggest stars, Damian Lillard and Paul George, are not the best of friends.
Last May, Lillard's Blazers eliminated George's Thunder in five games, with the Portland star hitting a 37-foot game-winner over George to win the series. After Lillard hit the shot, he waved goodbye to the Oklahoma City bench as his teammates mobbed him in celebration. Following the game, George called Lillard's bucket a "bad shot." Lillard balked at that claim, asking how it was a bad shot if the ball went in.
Nearly 15 months later, Lillard and George's beef has returned. On Saturday, Lillard had the opportunity to give Portland the lead over George's Clippers with just 15 seconds remaining. However, with the Blazers down just one, Lillard missed both free throws. Los Angeles would hold on and win, with both George and Clippers guard Patrick Beverley mocking Lillard from the bench.
After the game, Lillard was asked about Beverly and co.'s antics, and the Blazers star had quite the response.
"Asking me about Patrick Beverley, who, I sent him home before at the end of the game," Lillard said. "Paul George just got sent home by me last year. So, they know."
Bleacher Report reposted Lillard's quote on Instagram, which got both Beverley and George to respond. Beverley joked "Cancun on three," referencing that Portland's season would be over soon. George directly responded to Lillard's comment about sending him home, saying "And you getting sent home this year. Respect."
Of course, Dame wasn't going to let either one of them get the last word. Lillard responded to George's comment, calling out the star for continuing to change teams.
NBC Sports
George, of course, asked to be traded to the Clippers this offseason to pair with star Kawhi Leonard just one summer after signing a long-term extension with the Thunder. Meanwhile, Lillard has spent his whole career thus far in Portland, turning the Blazers from an annual lottery team to a contender in the West.
George responded once more, saying he achieved more success with his first team, the Pacers, than Lillard has in Portland. That can be debated, but neither star has led their team any further than the conference finals.
The whole conversation was captured by many and has been reposted all over social media.
The two teams won't meet again this season unless they matchup down the road in the playoffs. The Clippers currently sit in the No. 2 spot in the West, while Portland is on the outside looking in on the playoff picture.
However, the Blazers have looked as good as any team in the bubble thus far, in large part due to the return of big men Jusuf Nurkic and Zach Collins. In a year where seeding doesn't really matter, there's always a chance these two teams play each other once again. And what a sight that will be if it happens.
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Damian Lillard and Paul George trade jabs on social media after Blazers-Clippers originally appeared on NBC Sports Washington
