Damian Lillard, born on July 15, 1990, and the full name Damian Lamonte Ollie Lillard Sr., is a renowned American professional basketball player. He currently showcases his talents as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks in the National Basketball Association (N.B.A.)
He began his college basketball journey with the Weber State Wildcats and earned the distinction of being a third-team All-American in 2012.
Notably, Damian was chosen as the sixth overall pick in the 2012 N.B.A. draft by the Portland Trail Blazers, where he made an immediate impact, being unanimously voted as the N.B.A. Rookie of the Year.
Known for his clutch performances and knack for making crucial shots when it matters most, Damian Lillard earned the nickname “Dame Time.”
Throughout his career, he has been recognized with seven N.B.A. All-Star selections and seven All-NBA Team honors, an achievement unmatched in the history of the Portland Trail Blazers franchise.
In October 2021, Damian Lillard was honored as one of the league’s greatest players by being named to the N.B.A. 75th Anniversary Team. He also secured a gold medal as part of the 2020 U.S. Olympic team in Tokyo.
Beyond his basketball pursuits, Damian Lillard has explored the realm of music using the stage name “Dame D. O.L.L.A.”
His foray into the music industry has been met with noteworthy accomplishments, notably his debut studio album, “The Letter O,” which secured a spot on the Billboard 200 chart in 2016.
Subsequent albums, “Confirmed” in 2017 and “Big D. O.L.L.A.” in 2019, made their mark on the indie music charts. In 2021, he unveiled his fourth album, “Different On Levels The Lord Allowed.
Table of Contents
Damian Lillard’s High School Journey
Damian Lillard’s basketball journey began at Arroyo High School in San Lorenzo, California. With a stature of just 5 feet 5 inches in his first year, he navigated a journey marked by numerous school transfers, often driven by the absence of a coach.
His first transfer took him to Alameda, California, specifically St. Joseph Notre Dame High School, a well-regarded institution known for its history of shaping N.B.A. point guard talents, including Jason Kidd.
Standing at a modest 5 feet 5 inches during his first year, his path saw him embark on a series of transfers, primarily motivated by the absence of coaching guidance.
Damian Lillard’s initial transfer brought him to St. Joseph Notre Dame High School. St. Joseph Notre Dame High School is located in Alameda, California.
The school has a prestigious reputation for nurturing N.B.A. point guards. Notably, it has played a role in developing players like Jason Kidd. Jason Kidd is among the N.B.A. point guards who have emerged from the institution’s program.
At the outset of his journey, he found himself at the illustrious St. Joseph Notre Dame High School in Alameda, California, famous for its track record in shaping N.B.A. point guards like Jason Kidd.
However, the limited playing opportunities prompted another transfer, ultimately guiding him to Oakland High School. It was during his time at Oakland High that he diligently built his reputation, earning the esteemed title of First Team All-League in both his junior and senior years.
In his junior season, he averaged 19.4 points per game, and as a senior, he upped his game with 22.4 points and 5.2 assists per game, leading the Oakland Wildcats to a 23-9 record.
While he received little recruitment as a high school prospect, Lillard chose to pursue a scholarship offer to join Weber State, a Big Sky Conference program in Ogden, Utah.
His decision to attend Weber State was influenced by the program’s early interest in him, with head coach Randy Rahe personally watching him play during his junior year in Texas.
Although Damian had received offers from schools such as Wichita State, Saint Mary’s, and San Diego State, he viewed this opportunity as his way to break free from the violence of his Oakland neighborhood.
Even with offers from other schools like Wichita State, Saint Mary’s, and San Diego State on the table, Damian recognized this as his ticket to distance himself from the violence of his Oakland neighborhood.
Damian Lillard’s College Success
In his first year at Weber State, Damian Lillard maintained an average of 11.5 points per game and received recognition as the Big Sky Conference Freshman of the Year while also earning a spot on the first-team All-Big Sky selection.
Progressing into his sophomore season, he elevated his scoring, boasting an average of 19.9 points per game and guiding the Wildcats to a conference championship. His impressive performance earned him the title of Big Sky Player of the Year and honorable mention All-American recognition from the Associated Press.
In the 2010-2011 season, Lillard was the leading scorer in the Big Sky, averaging 19.7 points per game. Nonetheless, his season came to an abrupt end due to a foot injury, necessitating his use of a medical redshirt.
In his redshirt junior year, Lillard made a significant impact, averaging 24.5 points per game and leading the nation in scoring for most of the year. Although he narrowly missed the scoring title, he was named to the first-team all-conference for the third time and secured his second Big Sky Player of the Year award.
Additionally, he was a finalist for the Bob Cousy Award. Damian Lillard was widely recognized as one of the most esteemed point guard prospects in the country.
Given his exceptional standing, he decided to forego his senior season. This choice allowed him to enter the 2012 N.B.A. draft, marking the beginning of his professional career.
He left Weber State as the second-highest scorer in the program’s history (1,934 points) and the fifth-highest scorer in the history of the Big Sky Conference.
Lillard also completed his degree in professional sales from Weber State University in May 2015.
Professional Career with the Portland Trail Blazers
The inception of Damian Lillard’s professional career occurred with his selection as the sixth overall pick in the 2012 N.B.A. draft by the Portland Trail Blazers.
His N.B.A. debut showcased his talent, recording 23 points and 11 assists against the Los Angeles Lakers, a performance that instantly drew comparisons to legends like Oscar Robertson and Allen Iverson.
Throughout his rookie season, Lillard continued to impress, setting records for rookies and earning the N.B.A. Rookie of the Year Award.
He achieved a notable milestone as the first Trail Blazer to secure a victory at the N.B.A. All-Star Weekend, triumphing in the Skills Challenge.
Additionally, Lillard participated in the Rising Stars Challenge as part of the All-Star Weekend festivities. Over the years, Lillard consistently demonstrated his scoring prowess, finishing among the top players in various statistical categories.
He achieved the rare distinction of being one of only eight players to earn N.B.A. Rookie of the Month honors consistently every month since the award’s inception. In his rookie season, Damian Lillard established himself as a prominent 3-point shooter in the N.B.A. He secured the fifth position in the league in terms of 3-point shooting.
Additionally, he was ranked 12th in points per game, displaying his scoring abilities. He also tied for 16th place in assists per game, showcasing his playmaking skills. Moreover, he was tied for the 23rd spot in free throw percentage, emphasizing his proficiency at the charity stripe.
Damian Lillard was also one of the ten N.B.A. players to score over 1,500 points, leading all rookies in scoring, assists, field goals, and free throws. In his second season in the N.B.A., Lillard continued to shine, earning his first All-Star selection and All-NBA honors.
Averaging 20.7 points, 5.6 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game, he started all 82 games for the Trail Blazers and played a pivotal role in the team’s fifth-place finish in the Western Conference.
One of Damian Lillard’s most iconic moments came in the 2014 N.B.A. playoffs when he hit a buzzer-beating three-pointer to win a playoff series against the Houston Rockets, becoming the first player to achieve this feat since John Stockton in 1997.
At the end of the season, he was named to the All-NBA Third Team. The 2014-2015 season was marked by Lillard’s first division title with the Trail Blazers.
He started all 82 games, averaging career highs in various statistical categories. Notably, he was selected as an All-Star replacement for the injured Blake Griffin. Despite a solid regular season, the Trail Blazers were eliminated by the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the playoffs.
Throughout his career, Damian Lillard showcased his scoring ability and clutch performances, earning the respect and admiration of fans and fellow players alike.
Even in the face of obstacles, like a decrease in three-point shooting percentage in the 2014-2015 season, his commitment to the sport and his capacity to make a substantial contribution on offense and defense never wavered.
Damian Lillard’s journey from an unheralded high school prospect to an N.B.A. superstar is a testament to his talent, work ethic, and determination to succeed in basketball. His contributions on and off the court have solidified his status as one of the most iconic figures in the N.B.A.
2012–13 Season: Rookie of the Year
In the 2012 N.B.A. draft, Damian Lillard was chosen as the sixth overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers, marking the beginning of his impressive professional career.
He made an electrifying debut on October 31, facing the Los Angeles Lakers, where he tallied 23 points and 11 assists.
This remarkable performance instantly drew comparisons to legendary players like Oscar Robertson and Allen Iverson, as he became one of only a few N.B.A. rookies in history to achieve at least 20 points and ten assists in their N.B.A. debut.
Notably, his 11 assists were the most by an N.B.A. rookie in their inaugural game since Jason Kidd achieved the same feat in 1994, and this also marked the highest number of assists ever recorded by a Trail Blazer in their N.B.A. debut.
Lillard continued to impress throughout his rookie season, setting a career-high with 15 field goals and a rookie-record seven 3-pointers against the Golden State Warriors on January 11.
He concluded that game with an impressive stat line of 37 points, six rebounds, and four assists. Additionally, he made history by winning the Skills Challenge at the N.B.A. All-Star Weekend.
He further demonstrated his prowess in the Rising Stars Challenge at the All-Star Weekend, concluding the game with impressive statistics of 18 points, three rebounds, and five assists, all in a game-high 28 minutes of play.
Damian Lillard made an indelible mark in basketball history by achieving a unique distinction. He became the first N.B.A. rookie to record thirty-five points, nine assists, and zero turnovers in a game.
This remarkable feat has stood the test of time and remains unmatched, especially since turnovers became an official statistic in the 1978-79 season.
On April 10, he scored a season-high 38 points against the Lakers. His consistent excellence earned him the Western Conference Rookie of the Month honors every month, a feat achieved by only eight players since the award’s inception in 1981-82.
During his rookie season, Damian Lillard made a significant impact, ranking fifth in the N.B.A. for three-pointers made, 12th in points per game, sharing the 16th spot in assists per game, and tying for 23rd in free throw percentage.
In addition, he was one of only ten N.B.A. players to achieve the milestone of 1,500 points, leading all rookies in scoring (19.0 points per game), assists (6.5 per game), field goals (553), and free throws (271).
Maintaining an impressive season average of 19.0 points, 3.1 rebounds, 6.5 assists, 0.90 steals, and playing an average of 38.6 minutes per game in all 82 games, Damian Lillard not only secured the N.B.A. Rookie of the Year Award.
He also achieved a rare feat by joining a select group of unanimous recipients, which includes the likes of Blake Griffin (2011), David Robinson (1990), and Ralph Sampson (1984).
His exceptional performance set him apart and solidified his status as a standout rookie in N.B.A. history. He further distinguished himself by becoming one of the few rookies in N.B.A. history to achieve over 1,500 points and 500 assists in a single season.
Lillard’s rookie season accomplishments also included breaking the all-time N.B.A. rookie record for 3-pointers in a season with 185, surpassing Stephen Curry’s previous 166 set in the 2009-10 season.
He became the Portland franchise leader for most 3-point field goals in a season, surpassing Damon Stoudamire’s record of 181 in the 2004-05 season. Additionally, Damian Lillard was the first rookie since Elvin Hayes in 1968-69 to lead the N.B.A. in total minutes played with 3,167.
2013–14 Season: First All-Star and All-NBA Selection
In the 2013-14 season, Damian Lillard demonstrated his prowess on the court. He opened the season on October 30 with an outstanding performance, scoring 32 points against the Phoenix Suns.
This was his second 32-point game of the season, achieved on December 7 against the Dallas Mavericks. Lillard’s remarkable consistency was evident as he delivered a second consecutive 36-point game on December 17 against the Cleveland Cavaliers, contributing ten assists and eight rebounds.
He replicated this feat the following day against the Minnesota Timberwolves, displaying his scoring ability and versatility.
On January 7, in a thrilling contest against the Sacramento Kings, Lillard reached a career-high 41 points, including a remarkable 26 points in the fourth quarter, setting a franchise record for the most points in any quarter.
On February 7, he demonstrated his scoring ability with a 38-point effort against the Indiana Pacers. During the All-Star Weekend, Damian Lillard made history by becoming the first player in N.B.A. history to participate in five events during the All-Star festivities.
Engaging in a diverse range of competitions like the Rising Stars Challenge, Three-Point Contest, Skills Challenge, Slam Dunk Contest, and the All-Star Game, Damian Lillard showcased his versatile talents on the big stage.
His second N.B.A. season was marked by unwavering consistency, starting all 82 games and maintaining impressive statistics of 20.7 points, 5.6 assists, and 3.5 rebounds per game.
Damian Lillard’s versatile and well-rounded performance underscored his proficiency in multiple aspects of the game. This display highlighted his capacity to excel in various facets of basketball, including scoring, playmaking, and more.
His consistency across different areas of the game solidified his reputation as a budding star in the league. His stellar contributions helped the Portland Trail Blazers secure the fifth position in the highly competitive Western Conference with a commendable 54-28 record.
In the 2014 N.B.A. playoffs, Damian Lillard had a memorable playoff debut, recording 31 points and nine rebounds in Game 1 of the series against the Houston Rockets.
His performance was pivotal in securing a thrilling 122-120 overtime victory for Portland. Game 6 of the series witnessed Lillard’s historic moment, as he became the first player since John Stockton in 1997 to make a buzzer-beating shot to win a playoff series.
A memorable moment unfolded when Damian Lillard’s last-second, clutch 3-pointer sealed a thrilling 99-98 win over Houston. His 25-point performance was instrumental in securing the Trail Blazers’ first playoff series victory since 2000.
Their extraordinary journey concluded with a five-game defeat to the San Antonio Spurs in the second round of the playoffs. Damian Lillard’s exceptional season-long performance earned him a place on the All-NBA Third Team.
2014–15 Season: First Division Title
During the 2014-15 N.B.A. season, Damian Lillard again displayed his commitment and consistency as he started all 82 games for the Trail Blazers, marking his third consecutive season of full participation.
Notably, this season saw him reach heights in various statistical categories, achieving career highs in points, rebounds, steals, and field goal percentage.
However, there was a notable dip in his three-point shooting percentage, which reached a career-low of 34%. His season has started positively, with solid shooting performances during the initial two months.
In this period, Lillard showcased his scoring ability and overall skill set. On December 19, 2014, he had a standout performance, recording a career-high 43 points in an epic triple-overtime victory against the San Antonio Spurs, with a final score of 129-119.
Four days later, he continued his scoring prowess with a 40-point effort against the Oklahoma City Thunder. As the season progressed, Lillard’s impressive contributions did not go unnoticed.
On January 5, 2015, he delivered another spectacular performance, registering 39 points against the Los Angeles Lakers.
The season he has culminated in his inclusion as a substitute for the injured Blake Griffin in the 2015 N.B.A. All-Star Game. This acknowledgment highlighted his growing presence and recognition in the league.
This recognition highlighted Lillard’s increasing prominence and status in the league. This selection underscored his increasing prominence and influence within the club.
On March 4, 2015, Lillard reached a new career high by recording 18 rebounds against the Los Angeles Clippers. This impressive feat highlighted his versatility and impact on the court. Despite Lillard’s achievements, the Trail Blazers focused on team success.
Concluding the regular season, they secured the fourth seed in the fiercely competitive Western Conference, amassing a commendable record of 51 wins and 31 losses.
This achievement was particularly significant as it marked the Trail Blazers’ first division title. However, the 2014-15 N.B.A. season also presented its challenges. In the playoffs, the Trail Blazers faced the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round and, despite their regular season success, were eliminated in five games.
Lillard’s three-point shooting struggled in the series, as he shot just 16 percent from beyond the arc, making 5 of 31 attempts, including an 0-of-6 performance in Game 1.
2015–16 Season: Franchise Player
The 2015-16 season marked a pivotal moment in Damian Lillard’s career as he solidified his status as the franchise player for the Trail Blazers. On July 9, 2015, he signed a significant five-year, $120 million contract extension with the team, underlining his commitment to the organization.
Lillard began the season on October 28, 2015, with a strong performance, recording 21 points and 11 assists in a season-opening victory over the New Orleans Pelicans. During this game, he also notched his 600th career three-point field goal, becoming the fastest player in N.B.A. history to reach this milestone, accomplishing it in just 247 games.
Moreover, his 11 assists in the game propelled him to a career total of 1,500 assists, making him the fastest Trail Blazer to achieve this since Terry Porter in the 1987-88 season, who did it in 215 games.
In the following matchup on October 30 against the Phoenix Suns, Damian Lillard achieved another remarkable milestone, emerging as the fastest player to accumulate 1,500 assists and 5,000 points in 248 games since Derrick Rose accomplished this feat in 240 games.
On December 12, 2015, Lillard achieved a feat not seen in Portland since Clyde Drexler’s time in 1991-92, as he recorded 600 points and 150 assists in the team’s first 25 games.
On December 21, Damian Lillard was absent from a game for the first time in his career, sidelined by plantar fasciitis in his left foot.
This marked the conclusion of an extraordinary streak where he had played in 275 consecutive games. His absence, along with C.J. McCollum’s, resulted in a challenging game for the Trail Blazers, and they lost 106-97 to the Atlanta Hawks.
Lillard missed an additional six games due to the injury but made a triumphant return on January 4 against the Memphis Grizzlies, contributing 17 points and seven assists in a 91-78 loss.
Damian Lillard notched a season-high 40 points on January 8 in a contest against the Golden State Warriors.
On January 18, in a victory over the Washington Wizards, he achieved another milestone by reaching his 2,000th N.B.A. field goal.
He became one of only eight players to attain this mark since his entry into the league in the 2012-13 season. On February 19, 2016, Lillard had a career-best performance, scoring 51 points in a 137-105 victory over the Golden State Warriors.
In a historic game, Damian Lillard made N.B.A. history by achieving a stat line of 50 points, seven assists, and six steals. This remarkable feat occurred, particularly since deals became an official statistic in the 1973-74 season.
Two days later, Lillard maintained his scoring streak with a 30-point performance against the Utah Jazz. With this achievement, he became the first Trail Blazer to score 30 or more points in four consecutive games since Clyde Drexler accomplished it in 1991.
Lillard extended this streak to five games in the following matchup against the Brooklyn Nets. Over his first 300 games in the N.B.A., he averaged 21.2 points and 6.2 assists per game, a feat achieved by only four other players in the N.B.A.
History: Oscar Robertson, Nate Archibald, LeBron James, and Dwyane Wade. On March 4, 2016, Lillard had his second 50-point game of the season, even though the Trail Blazers lost to the Toronto Raptors with a score of 117-115.
On March 8, Lillard contributed 41 points and 11 assists in an overtime victory over the Washington Wizards, marking his 15th consecutive game with 20 or more points.
Additionally, he recorded his 400th assist of the season, making him the first Trail Blazer to achieve 400-plus assists in each of his first four seasons.
As the regular season drew to a close on April 13, 2016, against the Denver Nuggets, Lillard reached a significant milestone by hitting his 827th career three-pointer, surpassing Wesley Matthews’ franchise record 826.
He completed the regular season with an impressive average of 25.1 points per game. His backcourt partner, C.J. McCollum, also had a stellar season, averaging 20.8 points per game.
Together, they became the first backcourt in Trail Blazers’ history to each average 20 or more points in a season. Lillard’s scoring proficiency also earned him the distinction of being the third Trail Blazer to average 25 or more points, joining the ranks of Clyde Drexler and Kiki Vandeweghe.
During the 2016 M.V.P. Race, Damian Lillard clinched the eighth spot with 26 points out of a potential 1310 points.
Following their triumph over the Los Angeles Clippers in the initial playoff round, the Trail Blazers progressed to challenge the Golden State Warriors in the second round.
In Game 3 of the series, Lillard exhibited an extraordinary performance, amassing 40 points and ten assists, steering the Trail Blazers to an emphatic 120-108 triumph.
Despite their resilience, the Trail Blazers eventually succumbed in the series, losing in 5 games.
2016–17 season: Magic Johnson Award
During the Trail Blazers’ season opener on October 25, 2016, Damian Lillard delivered a standout performance, amassing 39 points while shooting 13-of-20 from the field.
He also contributed nine rebounds and six assists, helping the Trail Blazers secure a 113–104 victory over the Utah Jazz. Lillard’s first assist of the game allowed him to surpass Jim Paxson and claim the sixth spot on the franchise’s career assist list with a total of 2,008 assists.
Just four days later, Lillard once again demonstrated his scoring prowess by notching 37 points, including a clutch go-ahead floater with less than a second left in overtime, leading the Trail Blazers to a thrilling 115–113 triumph over the Denver Nuggets.
Damian Lillard scored 27 points in a game against the Phoenix Suns on November 2. This achievement made him the first N.B.A. player to accomplish this feat since Kobe Bryant during the 2005–06 season.
More precisely, Lillard became the inaugural player to secure 27 or more points in his team’s opening five games. His 163 points in the season’s initial five games set a new franchise record for the most points by a Blazer at the start of a season.
Two days later, Lillard displayed his scoring prowess again, scoring 42 points, including 27 in the second half, as the Trail Blazers secured a 105–95 victory over the Dallas Mavericks.
Lillard’s scoring outburst continued as he scored 38 points on November 8 against the Phoenix Suns, bringing his total to 262 points in the first eight games of the season.
This extraordinary feat represented the highest point total in franchise history for the first eight games of a season and the most by any N.B.A. player since Kobe Bryant’s 264 points in the 2009–10 season.
Further solidifying his scoring dominance, Lillard accumulated a team-record 695 points in the Trail Blazers’ first 25 games, surpassing Clyde Drexler’s previous mark of 681 issues in 1988.
Lillard faced a setback between December 26 and January 4 when he suffered a left ankle sprain against the San Antonio Spurs, causing him to miss five games.
On January 28, in a game against the Golden State Warriors, Damian Lillard accomplished a significant milestone. He reached 8,000 career points, marking his 11th as a Blazer to achieve this feat.
This achievement elevated him to an exclusive company, as he joined the ranks of Michael Jordan and LeBron James. They are the only three players in N.B.A. history to accumulate 8,000 points and 2,000 assists within their first five seasons.
Lillard delivered a sensational performance by scoring a season-high 49 points and equaling his career-high with nine three-pointers on March 19.
This outstanding display led the Trail Blazers to a 115–104 victory over the Miami Heat. His impressive statistics in March, ranking third in the N.B.A. in scoring and tying for fourth in three-pointers made, earned him the Western Conference Player of the Month award.
Five days later, Lillard etched his name in the franchise’s history books by scoring 59 points and matching his career high with nine three-pointers in a 101–86 victory over the Utah Jazz.
This marked his 27th game of the season with 30 or more points, another franchise record. He also joined the ranks of the fifth Blazer to accumulate 2,000 or more points in a single season despite facing a deficit of ten games below.
At the All-Star break, the Trail Blazers were ten games under .500. Still, Damian Lillard’s leadership was instrumental in their remarkable late-season surge, culminating in securing the No. 8 seed in the Western Conference with a 41–41 record.
In the playoffs, the Trail Blazers encountered the Golden State Warriors for the second straight year. Unfortunately, they were swept in the series.
Lillard, however, delivered a remarkable 34-point performance in Game 4. Throughout the series, Lillard consistently performed with 27.8 points, 4.5 rebounds, 3.3 assists, and 1.3 steals per game.
On May 2, 2017, Damian Lillard was honored with the Magic Johnson Award for the 2016–17 season, a recognition of his on-court excellence and his exemplary conduct in interactions with the media and the public.
In the 2017–18 season, Lillard continued to shine. On October 28, 2017, he reached the 9,000-point milestone during a game against the Phoenix Suns, becoming the fastest Blazer to achieve this feat in just 402 career games.
Lillard excelled in other aspects of his game, including rebounding and assisting, moving up the franchise’s all-time scoring and assist lists.
He further showcased his scoring ability with multiple high-scoring games, setting records for scoring and three-pointers made over several game stretches. Lillard also received various accolades during the season, including being named to the All-NBA First Team and finishing fourth in the M.V.P. race.
In the playoffs, despite Lillard’s efforts, the Trail Blazers were eliminated in a four-game sweep by the New Orleans Pelicans. Lillard struggled to score over 20 points in the series, marking a challenging end to an otherwise impressive season.
2018–19 season: Western Conference Finals
In the inaugural game of the 2018 season for the Trail Blazers on October 18, Damian Lillard showcased his scoring prowess, taking the lead with 28 points in a 128–119 victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.
A week later, on October 25, he put on a remarkable display, contributing 34 of his 41 points in the second half, steering the Trail Blazers to a 128–114 victory over the Orlando Magic. Three days later, Lillard continued his scoring spree, dropping 42 points in a 120–111 loss to the Miami Heat, surpassing the 11,000-point mark in his career.
On November 16, he displayed his playmaking skills, dishing out five assists against the Minnesota Timberwolves, moving past Damon Stoudamire (3,018) for third place on the team’s career assist list.
Two days after that milestone, Lillard put up another impressive performance, scoring 40 points in a 119–109 victory over the Washington Wizards. Lillard’s three-point shooting prowess came to the forefront on November 28, where he scored 41 points and set a franchise record with ten three-pointers in a 115–112 win over the Magic.
In the third quarter alone, he drained seven three-pointers, setting a franchise record for a single quarter. On December 17, Damian Lillard displayed his scoring prowess, erupting for 22 of his 39 points in the third quarter and guiding the Trail Blazers to a 131–127 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers.
His clutch abilities shone brightly on December 27 when he nailed a go-ahead 3-pointer with 6.3 seconds remaining in overtime, ultimately scoring 21 points and sealing an exhilarating 110–109 win against the Golden State Warriors.
Two days later, he once again showcased his scoring finesse, sinking six three-pointers and accumulating 40 points in a 115–105 defeat to the Warriors. This marked his fifth 40-point game of the season, matching his career-high record.
On January 14, during a 115–107 loss to the Sacramento Kings, Damian Lillard reached the milestone of 12,000 career points. He accomplished this feat faster than any player in Portland history.
In the same game, he extended his streak of scoring in double figures in his 184th consecutive game, surpassing Clyde Drexler to claim the franchise record. On January 24, by amassing 24 points against the Phoenix Suns, Damian Lillard increased his season total to 1,311 points.
This remarkable tally marked the most points by any Portland player through the first 50 games of the season. On March 7, he delivered a season-best performance by racking up 51 points in an overtime loss to the Oklahoma City Thunder.
On March 15, he scored 24 points, becoming the second-leading scorer in franchise history, surpassing LaMarcus Aldridge (12,562) and trailing only Clyde Drexler (18,040). On March 25, Damian Lillard showcased his scoring and playmaking abilities by recording 31 points and 12 assists during a double-overtime win against the Brooklyn Nets.
This achievement denoted his 20th career game with a minimum of 30 points and 10 assists, establishing a new franchise record and surpassing Clyde Drexler’s previous mark.
Damian Lillard was awarded the Western Conference Player of the Week. This recognition was for the week concluding on March 31. The honor highlighted his exceptional contributions and achievements during that period.
This recognition underscored his remarkable contributions to the team and the league. This award represented his seventh career weekly honor, highlighting his consistent excellence in the club.
During the 2018-19 season, Lillard attained a historic milestone as the first Trail Blazer to register 2,000 points and 500 assists in a single season.
Additionally, he surpassed his franchise record for three-pointers made. He secured a spot on the All-NBA First Team and placed 6th in the M.V.P. race.
The playoffs saw Lillard delivering some unforgettable moments, including a 37-foot game-winning buzzer-beater in a playoff career-high 50-point game to eliminate the Oklahoma Thunder in five games.
In the subsequent round, he showcased his scoring abilities, pivotal in the Trail Blazers’ progression to the Western Conference Finals, a milestone they had yet to reach since 2000.
In the 2019-20 season, he witnessed Lillard achieving several career highs, including a 60-point game and his first triple-double. His remarkable scoring earned him back-to-back Western Conference Player of the Week awards.
Lillard’s excellence was recognized with his fifth All-Star selection. In the bubble, Lillard continued to shine with multiple 50-point games and historic scoring feats. He was voted the N.B.A. Player of the Seeding Games and placed 8th in the M.V.P. race.
2020–21 season: N.B.A. Teammate of the Year
In the 2020-21 season, Lillard delivered more incredible performances, including a game-winning buzzer-beater, a 43-point game with 16 assists, and a 44-point game with a game-winning three-pointer.
He placed 7th in the 2021 M.V.P. race, marking his fifth top-eight finish in six seasons. Lillard’s playoff run included a record-breaking 55-point game with 12 made three-pointers, but the Trail Blazers were ultimately eliminated in the first round.
2021–22 season: Injury and missing playoffs
In the 2021-22 season, Lillard scored a season-high 61 points, achieved career and franchise records, and displayed his scoring prowess. Despite some injuries, he remained a dominant force on the court.
Lillard’s career underwent a significant shift on September 27, 2023, when he was involved in a three-team trade that saw him join the Milwaukee Bucks.
Upon his debut for the Milwaukee Bucks on October 26, 2023, Lillard set a franchise record with 39 points and eight rebounds in a season-opening victory against the Philadelphia 76ers, indicating a solid start with his new team.
References
- Wikipedia: Visit Damian Lillard’s Wikipedia page to delve into his detailed biography, career statistics, and more.
- O.S.D.B. Sports: Find Damian Lillard’s profile, N.B.A. career highlights, and current updates on O.S.D.B. Sports.
- ViralZergnet: This source, although about women’s tennis, offers a unique perspective on Lillard’s achievements and financial success in professional sports.
- Celeb Contact Details: Discover ways to contact Damian Lillard and gain insights into his personal life.
- Orleans Hub: Learn about Damian Lillard’s recognition and honors, including his place on the Mustangs Wall of Fame.
- People Pill: Explore Damian Lillard’s profile and biography on People Pill, covering various aspects of his life and career.
- Who Is Writer: Read a biography of Damian Lillard and discover information about his net worth.
- Accion Jacksonville: While not about Damian Lillard, this source discusses the transfer portal in college sports, offering insights into the sports world.
- Birthday Wiki: Learn about Damian Lillard’s birthday, zodiac sign, and other personal details.
- K.P.T.V.: Stay up-to-date with Damian Lillard’s N.B.A. All-Star game appearances on K.P.T.V.
- Biography Trend: While not about Damian Lillard, this source provides information about another N.B.A. star, Kawhi Leonard.
- Eye Test Analytics: Check out the top N.B.A. performers during a specific week.
- LeBron Wire: Find out about other N.B.A. players’ achievements, like Anthony Davis winning the Western Conference Player of the Month award.
- Space City Scoop: Explore news related to James Harden and the Houston Rockets.
- The Spectator News: While unrelated to Damian Lillard, this source covers sports topics and overtime scenarios.
- Sixers Wire: Learn about Ben Simmons being named to the All-NBA Third Team and Joel Embiid’s recognition.
- Blasting News: Explore N.B.A. trade rumors and potential landing spots for Jahlil Okafor.
- Gossip Gist: Find out about Damian Lillard’s gossip and personal life details.
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