The Portland Trailblazers return home with their Western Conference Semi-Finals series against the Denver Nuggets tied 1-1 after they were able to rebound from a game one loss. In game two, their superstar Damian Lillard had a subpar game against the Nuggets with 14 points, four rebounds, and four assists. His backcourt mate C.J. McCullum chipped in 20 points, six rebounds, and assists as the Blazers the Nuggets 97-90.
As for the Nuggets, their MVP candidate Nikola Jokić came back down to earth after having a monstrous game one. In game two, Jokić scored 16 points, grabbed 14 rebounds, and dished out seven dimes. Jokić’s frontcourt mate Paul Millsap poured in 14 points and nabbed 11 rebounds for the Nuggets.
Someone that has admired Damian Lillard’s game from afar is former Trailblazer Bonzi Wells. I spoke to him by phone recently and he shared with me that he thinks Damian Lillard is the number one player at his position.
“At his position, he is the number one guard in the league right now. What I love about Dame, he does so much for the community, he raps, a family guy, a loyal to the soil that he grew up in. He puts the work in on the court and isn’t all about talking with him, he goes out there and performs. That is what I respect about him and with that being said the puts him above all guards in my opinion. What he did in that first round against Paul George, who I know is a great defender and Russell Westbrook, who is a competitor, but he was able to put
on a show like no other. That put him on the top of my list after that series.
The Blazers and the Nuggets are both looking get a win and be one step closer to the Western Conference Finals tonight at The Moda Center. The game will start at 6:30 PM PST on ESPN.
About the Author
Landon Buford is an accomplished sports and entertainment journalist based in Richardson, Texas, with over a decade of experience covering the NBA, WNBA, NFL, WWE, MLB, and the entertainment industry. Known for delivering high-impact stories and headline-making interviews, Buford has earned a global audience through content that blends insider access with compelling storytelling.
He previously served as director of editorial and brand communications at PlayersTV, where he helped shape the platform’s editorial voice and brand identity. He is also the founder and editor-in-chief of LandonBuford.com—an independent outlet with more than 1.6 million views and syndication from major platforms including Bleacher Report, Sports Illustrated and Yahoo Sports. Buford’s interviews with stars like Gary Payton, Kevin Durant, Mark Cuban and Chris Paul showcase his talent for meaningful, in-depth conversations.
His bylines have appeared in Sports Illustrated, Forbes, Heavy.com, Meta’s Bulletin and One37pm, where he has contributed exclusive interviews, breaking news and cultural insights. At Heavy.com, his work drew more than a million views in just eight months, and at One37pm, it contributed to record-breaking traffic numbers.
His work highlights the intersection of sports, fashion, music, and entrepreneurship—showcasing how athletes and entertainers use their platforms to inspire change, influence trends, and shape culture beyond the game. Landon has interviewed a wide range of figures from the NBA, NFL, and entertainment industries, consistently bringing authentic voices and untold stories to the forefront.
In addition to his journalism, Buford is an entrepreneur and content creator, dedicated to amplifying diverse narratives and driving meaningful conversations across media platforms. His passion for storytelling, culture, and innovation continues to make him a respected voice in the evolving landscape of sports and entertainment media.
