Through every superb or uneven performance, McCollum stubbornly remained available. “His back has been messed up the whole time since the first game, but he gave no excuses,” Lillard said. “He didn’t sit out or look for a way out. He just stayed with it. I know who I’m stepping on the court with, and there’s a reason I got the faith and trust in him that I do. People saw his character and who he truly is. He’s still hurt. But when it comes down to it, he rises to the occasion. That’s who he is and what I expect from him.”