CJ McCollum has been playing through a back fracture

Damian Lillard gets all the attention, but CJ McCollum deserves some props for playing through injury

McCollum often takes a back seat to the face of the Portland Trail Blazers, Lillard, and for good reason. The Weber State product in Lillard is one of the best point guards in the NBA, perhaps only taking a back seat to Steph Curry and a select few point-forwards who may fit the criteria for such a debate. Yet, it’s McCollum who provides the ideal Robin for Lillard’s Batman, allowing him the space necessary without facing constant double-teams from the other guard position.

McCollum’s ability to keep opposing defenses honest, especially in primarily man-to-man systems, is vital to Portland’s success. CJ averages over 22 points-per-game, and that sort of production has continued in the bubble, all while dealing with a fractured back.

McCollum’s game-winning free throws on Tuesday look all the more impressive given his back injury

McCollum went 2-of-14 from the field Tuesday against the Dallas Mavericks, a game we now know Portland needed to have. However, he stepped up to the line to make two free throws and extend the Blazers’ lead. As simple as that sounds, even a player as great as Lillard has a slip-up every now and then, as he did against the Los Angeles Clippers which led to a back-and-forth with Patrick Beverley and Paul George. Imagine that sort of pressure, but with a broken back.

CJ is going to receive single-man matchups throughout the NBA Playoffs, assuming Portland makes it that far, as Lillard will still receive the bulk of attention when both players are on the floor. If he’s right, or even close to that level, the Blazers’ chances of contending with the Grizzlies in the 8-9 game and, eventually, the Los Angeles Lakers go up immensely.

Should the back ailment hamper him as it would the majority of our readers (and me), then Portland might be human after all.