USA Today via Reuters
Jan 24, 2021; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots over New York Knicks guard Elfrid Payton (6) and guard Alec Burks (18) during the first quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 24, 2021; Portland, Oregon, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) shoots over New York Knicks guard Elfrid Payton (6) and guard Alec Burks (18) during the first quarter at the Moda Center. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
Over the years, Damian Lillard has established himself as one of the better players in the league. He made a name for himself thanks to his insane shooting ability from the deep. Furthermore, Dame is possibly the best NBA player in the clutch moments of the game.
Lillard proved that yet again tonight, as he displayed his composure in the dying minutes of the game. He hit the go-ahead bucket vs Luka Doncic’s Dallas Mavericks as he led the Blazers to a 121-118 victory.
Following the victory, the Blazers bettered their record to 16-10 this season and strengthened their hold on the Western Conference’s 5th seed.
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Damian Lillard ended the game with 34 points as he continued his excellent start to the season. Additionally, thanks to Lillard’s go-ahead bucket, he achieved another important milestone.
He now has 33 go-ahead buckets in the final minute of the game! This includes his shots in the playoffs as well.
Per @ESPNStatsInfo: Damian Lillard hit his 33rd career go-ahead bucket in the final minute of a game (including playoffs) tonight vs. Mavs. That leads the NBA since Lillard arrived in the league in 2012-13. pic.twitter.com/pCgxltCoQY
— Tim MacMahon (@espn_macmahon) February 15, 2021
What’s even more impressive is the fact that ever since he was drafted, he is second to none in this category. After an underwhelming 2020 postseason, the Blazers are hungry to make some noise in this year’s postseason.
Honestly, they are looking like a great unit, and the only thing that might hinder their progress is injury trouble. Even last season, the Blazers’ roster was plagued by injuries, and as a result, they never reached their full potential.
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What’s the ceiling for the Damian Lillard led Portland Trail Blazers?
USA Today via Reuters
Jan 30, 2021; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard (0) celebrates with his teammates after making the game winning three point basket at the buzzer against the Chicago Bulls during the second half at United Center. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-USA TODAY Sports
As things stand right now, making the plays should be a piece of cake for the organization. But performing at an elite level in the playoffs must be their ultimate goal. If they can achieve that, they can eventually end up winning the NBA Championship.
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Considering Damian Lillard is already 30 years old, their championship window is quite small. What are your thoughts on the Trail Blazers? Do you think the franchise can go all the way this season? Feel free to share your views in the comments section below.
