The Undefeated: Damian Lillard makes time for family milestone in the midst of playoffs

ByMARC J. SPEARS
May 2, 2016, 4:54 PM

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OAKLAND, Calif. -- Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard gave his grandfather Albert Johnson a priceless gift on Saturday night. Johnson not only celebrated a milestone 80th birthday, he celebrated with his busy grandson, who surprised him at the party the night before their second-round playoff series against the Golden State Warriors.

"He wanted to be a part of the event because every time we have an event he is not around. But this one, he really wanted to be there," Johnson told The Undefeated at halftime of the Blazers' 118-106 loss to the Warriors in Game 1 on Sunday. "I highly appreciated him being there."

"I was just happy to be there for him," Lillard said.

It's not easy for any athlete to make it home for birthdays and holidays throughout the year. It's especially tough for one in the midst of post-season. But Lillard didn't let that stop him.

Johnson, who was born on April 25, 1936, was originally scheduled to celebrate his birthday in Oakland on April 22 - in the middle of the NBA playoffs. Lillard begged his family to push the date back in hopes of attending. The family obliged, moving it to April 30 instead at a hotel ballroom just a short drive down from where the Warriors' play at Oracle Arena.

The Oakland native realized that playing the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round could help logistically, since Game 7s in the first round were expected to be played May 1, a day after the party.

"During the Minnesota game, which was our second to last game of the (regular) season, I was like, 'Man, we need to make sure we get the five-seed so we can make sure we are playing the Clippers. If there was a day off in-between I could fly home and fly back," Lillard said.

Lillard and the fifth-seed Blazers were in an unexpected position as they were a win away from eliminating the fourth-seed and injury plagued Clippers' last Friday night in Portland. A win meant the Blazers not only would end the series, but would be in the Oakland-area on Saturday night after the team flew in. A loss would mean that the Blazers would be in Los Angeles on Saturday night with a 12:30 P.M. game Sunday for a deciding Game 7 series.

Lillard made sure he was able to attend his grandfather's party by earning 28 points, seven assists, five rebounds and four 3-pointers to lead the Blazers to a 106-103 series clinching victory last Friday. He said the party served as extra motivation during the game.

"It was perfect. I wanted to get that Clippers series done on Friday so I could make it to town," Lillard said.

Albert Johnson has six kids, 18 grandchildren and 16 great grandchildren. But he didn't know that his celebrity grandchild would be able to attend his party until Lillard's mother, Gina Johnson, told him two hours before. Around 200 people came from all over the country. There was a catered meal, a DJ and toasts from several close to Johnson, including Lillard.

Gina Johnson described her father's tears of joy as Lillard expressed his gratitude and spoke about how "his grandfather took care of (the grandsons) and taught them about being real men."

"He was really happy," Lillard said. "It was good to see everyone acknowledge what he has done for our family. He was the foundation of all of that. Everyone came together. Some people came that moved away that you haven't seen in years. Some people from sides of the family that you haven't grown a relationship with. All of them coming and sharing their impact on their life was big."

Lillard was at the birthday party for nearly four hours before departing back to the Blazers team hotel in San Francisco. He enjoyed being introduced to cousins he had never met before, seeing ones that he had not seen in a while and getting quality time with his nephews. The point guard danced a little too, although Game 1 against the Warriors was only 15 hours away.

"I danced a few songs. I had a good time with my family. That's harmless activity," Lillard said. "That is nothing that is going to get in the way of me being able to do my job. This season I've been (roller) skating a day and a half before a game."

Lillard gave 20 tickets to family and friends for Game 1. One of the ticket holders was Johnson, who sat proudly in section 103 wearing a black Portland jersey with Lillard on the back. His grandson scored a team-high 30 points in the loss to the Warriors.

"I am greatly proud of him," Johnson said. "This is nothing new to him. He has been playing basketball all of his life since he was six years old. I never dreamed of this, but it was in him. He dreamed of being an NBA player." For Johnson, there's no competition between his grandson and his city. "I'm not really a Warriors fan," he said. "My grandson is playing now. I got to root for him."

When asked about the rest of his family's allegiance, Lillard said: "C'mon man. Nothing comes before family."