Blazers' Lillard played with separated ribs against Warriors in West

Portland Trail Blazers star guard Damian Lillard confirmed Sunday that he is playing with separated ribs on his left side. Lillard said the injury occurred in the third quarter in Game 2 of the Western Conference finals when Golden State Warriors big man Kevon Looney fell on him during a scramble for the ball.

"There's nothing you can really do about it," Lillard told reporters. "When I get winded, it's a little harder to breathe." Lillard wore padding in Game 3 but was just 5-of-18 shooting while scoring 19 points. Portland lost the game 110-99 as Golden State took a 3-0 series lead.

The four-time All-Star is averaging 20.3 points in the series but is just 15-of-46 from the field and has committed 14 turnovers. During the regular season, Lillard averaged 25.8 points, 6.9 assists and 4.6 rebounds.

Lillard said the ribs aren't the reason for his play being at a lower level than his typical stellar form. "I don't think it's something that's affecting my game," Lillard said. "It's there, but it's not something that's affecting anything that I'm doing. Obviously, you feel it, but that's it," he said. Game 4 is Monday in Portland.