Lillard named bubble's top player as NBA announces Seeding Games awards
The NBA announced Saturday that Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard was unanimously named Player of the Seeding Games, according to Tim Reynolds of The Associated Press.
Lillard also earned All-Seeding Games first-team honors after averaging 37.6 points, 9.6 assists, and 1.4 steals during the restart.
Monty Williams of the Phoenix Suns was selected Coach of the Seeding Games after guiding his club to an 8-0 record.
All-Seeding Games first team
| Player | Team |
|---|---|
| Damian Lillard | Portland Trail Blazers |
| Devin Booker | Phoenix Suns |
| James Harden | Houston Rockets |
| Luka Doncic | Dallas Mavericks |
| T.J. Warren | Indiana Pacers |
Lillard, Booker, and Doncic were unanimously selected to the NBA All-Seeding Games first team.
Booker went on a torrid stretch of his own, averaging 30.5 points on 50.3% shooting as the Suns fell just short of the play-in game for the West's final playoff spot.
Doncic continued to establish himself among the league's elite. He recently surpassed Magic Johnson as the youngest player in NBA history to outright lead the Association in triple-doubles.
Warren exploded for a career-high 53 points in the Pacers' opening restart contest.
All-Seeding Games second team
| Player | Team |
|---|---|
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | Milwaukee Bucks |
| Kawhi Leonard | Los Angeles Clippers |
| Caris LeVert | Brooklyn Nets |
| Michael Porter Jr. | Denver Nuggets |
| Kristaps Porzingis | Dallas Mavericks |
A panel of on-site sportswriters and broadcasters chose five players for each team, regardless of position or conference.