PORTLAND, Ore. — Damian Lillard, for so long the rising star of the Portland Trail Blazers, had seen and heard everything in recent days: the taunts, the complaints, the gestures, the boasts. He was not a huge fan of the Oklahoma City Thunder during their first-round playoff series, so he decided to make his biggest statement by not saying anything at all.

After his 37-footer had sailed over the top of Paul George’s outstretched hand and through the basket, Lillard turned toward the Thunder bench — and the backside of Russell Westbrook as he shuffled off the court — and waved goodbye.

It was a gesture so simple and spontaneous, no explanation was necessary. But Lillard offered one anyway.