NBA All-Star Game: Damian Lillard Joins Lonely Michael Jordan in “Elite Company”After Winning MVP Crown in Indianapolis

Michael Jordan set all kinds of All-Star records that very few have been able to match. Damian Lillard accomplished one of those unbroken records at the conclusion of the 2024 All-Star weekend. After leading the East to a 211-186 victory, Lillard was awarded the Kobe Bryant MVP Award for the game. He led the East with 39 points in this, the highest-scoring All-Star game in history and the first game to cross the 200-point mark.

Just a day earlier, Lillard won the 3-point contest on All-Star Saturday by dropping 26 in round 1 and round 2. He’s now only the second player since Michael Jordan to win All-Star MVP a day after winning a Saturday event. His Airness achieved the feat for the first time 36 years ago.

The 1988 All-Star game was hosted on Jordan’s home turf in Chicago. He won the Dunk Contest before the Bulls home crowd on Saturday and then ended the weekend with a 138-133 win for the East. Jordan outscored Lillard’s current record with a game high 40 points and was named All-Star Game MVP that night.

It was no surprise that Dame won the 3-point contest on Saturday. The Milwaukee star made 11 3-pointers at the game tonight, including the final shot from halfcourt (his second halfcourt shot in the game) winning seven of 12 votes for the MVP honors. Indiana fans weren’t too happy, booing the decision. The Pacers’ star, Tyrese Haliburton was the runner-up with five votes.

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The boos are an expected consequence of winning over the hometown hero. Jordan had the crowd in 1988 playing in his home court. He scored a perfect 50 at the Dunk contest, defeating the posterizer artiste, Dominique Wilkins. The Human Highlight Reel impressed Jordan and more fans who think he should’ve won. But the 1988 All-Star Weekend remains the most memorable of MJ’s 13 All-Star appearances.

Damian Lillard honored to share Michael Jordan honor

Lillard didn’t let the boos get to him. He was gracious while accepting the award. Later, when he was informed he matched Michael Jordan’s record, he had some profound words to say. “Anytime you’re mentioned next to Mike, it’s a special accomplishment.”

He may have also referred to the changing formats and the criticism the All-Star games have suffered in recent years. Especially with a few claiming Dame won MVP in a non-competitive game. “That fact that nobody has done it since 1988, I think that shows how difficult it is.”

Dame was openlygrateful to be playing with very competitive players and said, it’s an “honor to be mentioned next to him,” about His Airness. What do you think about Damian Lillard matching Michael Jordan’s record?

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