Damian Lillard’s Top 5 Rookie Performances
Apr 10, 2013; Portland, OR, USA; Los Angeles Lakers shooting guard Kobe Bryant (24) shoots over Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard (0) at the Rose Garden. Mandatory Credit: Craig Mitchelldyer-USA TODAY Sports
#1 – Dueling the Legend
April 10, 2013 106-113 (L)
Stats: 12-25, 38 points, 9 assists, 3 steals
No surprise here. Lillard’s 38 point outburst was his highest of the season, but was even more memorable because it evolved into a shootout with one of the all-time greats, Mr. Kobe ‘Bean’ Bryant himself. Kobe may have edged Lillard in the points category (47), but he did that while playing the full 48 minutes, compared to Lilard’s 42. After the game, Kobe tweeted “Lillard is the real deal.” Translation: welcome to big leagues kid. Coming from someone of Kobe’s stature in the game, this is high praise. Even in his post game interview, Kobe stated that Damian Lillard was “not afraid of anything” and that he “has the whole package.” A career night followed by a ringing endorsement from one of the greatest ever merits the #1 spot on this list.