Damian Lillard became eternal and immortal. The Portland Trail Blazers point guard inscribed his name in the NBA history books by scoring 71 points in their victory (131-114) against the Houston Rockets after a performance that separates good players from gods. A legendary number, accompanied by 41 at half-time and 13 triples to rank among the best of all time. Lillard, every time he is called upon at important moments, he assumes responsibility for his team.
Lillard had a feast that shows an incredible state of form. He came from a great All-Star, in which he was champion of the triple contest and scored the game-winning basket. And against the Houston Rockets he went up to 71 points (22/38 from the field and 13/22 from the triple), 6 rebounds and 6 assists. With the second-best mark in triples, 13, and the first game that reaches +70 points, +5 rebounds, +5 assists and more than 10 triples.
Photo: AP/Steve Dykes
His performance is magical, although the context benefits. The Rockets are the worst team in the league, and before them there are 13 performances by players who equal or exceed 41 points this season. Lillard has the top with 71 points, but Doncic (50), Markkanen and Morant (49), LeBron James (48), Edwards, Antetokounmpo and Young (44), Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (42), two by Klay Thompson (42 and 41), and Devin Booker and Tyler Herro (41). The most affordable equipment. Although it will never be easy.
He is tied with Donovan Mitchell for the player with the most points in a regular season game. «My mother called me and told me that you equaled my mark. We will have to reach 72 now", 'Spida' continued on his social networks. Lillard's is the eighth-best scorer of all time, being the eighth player to exceed 71 points and his fifth in his sports career to exceed 60. A lethal and compulsive scorer.
Photo: AP/Steve Dykes
An impossible number, to which Lillard easily accesses. He has fifteen games with more than 50 points and, with more than 60 he adds more than Curry, LeBron, Shaq, Larry Bird, Magic Johnson, Tim Duncan, Bill Russell and Kevin Durant combined. And only Wilt Chamberlain, on 61 occasions, and Kobe Bryant in 6 have more games, with 60.
Future GOAT? What do you think Sport junkies?