NBA rumors: Blazers star Damian Lillard playing through separated ribs

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Damian Lillard isn't having the best time in the Western Conference finals against the Warriors.

In the Trail Blazers' Game 3 loss Saturday night, Lillard shot just 5 of 18 and finished with 19 points in 40 minutes.

Now, we might have an explanation as to why the Blazers guard is struggling.

The Athletic's Shams Charania reported after Game 3 that Lillard has separated ribs and is playing through the injury.

ESPN's Tim MacMahon confirmed the news, and provided a few more details.

The injury appears to have occurred during Game 2 of the series when Warriors center Kevon Looney landed on Lillard as they went for a loose ball.

[RELATED: Iguodala to undergo MRI]

So far in the Western Conference finals, Lillard is shooting 32.9 percent (15 of 46) and averaging 20.3 points per game.

Lillard won't use the injury as an excuse, and he's probably not thrilled the news got out. But it does explain his poor shooting numbers.

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