Damian Lillard Dominates
On Sunday, the Portland Trail Blazers faced off against the Houston Rockets, and from the moment the game began, it was clear that it was Dame Time. A former Weber State guard, Damian Lillard, scored an incredible 41 points in the first half, accomplishing this feat in just 19 minutes. His eight three-pointers sent the crowd at the Moda Center into a frenzy as Portland surged to a commanding 73-58 halftime lead.
Lillard is known for being a human blowtorch when he heats up (as shown during his NBA 3-Point Contest victory), and he certainly did not disappoint in this game. His performance tied him with Kyrie Irving for the third-highest scoring half in NBA history, with only Devin Booker’s 51 in 2017 and Donovan Mitchell’s 42 earlier this season surpassing it.
Unsurprisingly, NBA Twitter was abuzz with excitement at witnessing one of the game’s best players putting on such a spectacular display in his first game back from the All-Star break.
Damian Lillard drug tested by NBA after epic 71-point performance https://t.co/dWutImFtgn pic.twitter.com/E4kT9515m5
— New York Post (@nypost) February 27, 2023
Although the Houston Rockets are currently struggling, Damian Lillard’s performance was impressive regardless of the opponent and could go down in history. In fact, he has already placed himself in elite company with what he achieved in just 19 minutes. Fans flock to the Moda Center each night to witness the kind of performances that Lillard is capable of, as he has been a shining light during an otherwise challenging season for the Blazers. The team is currently ranked 12th in the Western Conference, but they are just one game away from the play-in spots.
Lillard’s exceptional play has been consistent throughout the season, averaging 31.4 points per game, the third-highest in the league. His shooting has also been impressive, with him maintaining a shooting percentage of 37.2 percent from beyond the arc and 46.7 percent overall. Despite the team’s struggles, Lillard’s performance has been a bright spot for fans, and his continued excellence on the court remains a reason for optimism for the Blazers going forward.
