Damian Lillard to Replace Blake Griffin in the All-Star Game

The Newest Western-Conference All-Star

Damian Lillard is set to play in the all-star game.  He did not get on the team the way he wanted to, he got on because he will be replacing the hurt Blake Griffin.

Griffin is undergoing surgery on his right elbow to get rid of a staph infection.  The Griffinless Clippers lost their first game without him in the lineup yesterday.  They fell 131-108 to the Oklahoma City Thunder.

Griffin has averaged 22.5 PPG, 7.5 RPG, and 5.1 APG so far this season.  Without him, the Clippers miss an all around force.  In about a week, his injury will be reevaluated and a time table for return will be set.  Hopefully Blake will return in a couple weeks.

For Lillard, he doesn't have much to say about his late selection.  He feels he should have made the team as a reserve in the first place.  When asked how he felt about replacing Blake, all he said was, "I'm thankful, that's it."

Damian Lillard has sure played up to an all-star level so far this season and is averaging 21.6 PPG, 6.3 PPG, and 4.7 RPG.

Watch out for the new all-star next weekend in New York.  The festivities begin on Friday and run through next Sunday February 15.