Damian Lillard competed in his third career All-Star game. He scored
Damian Lillard played his third career All-Star game for Team Steph tonight. Finally, after two straight seasons of being snubbed, NBA fans, media and coaches came to their senses and put him back on the team.
First Quarter
Dame came off the bench with just under six minutes to go in the first quarter. Immediately after subbing in, he attempted a DEEP three-pointer, which clanked off the back rim.
Not long later, he threw up another one from way downtown. Sadly, this one hit nothing and went straight out of bounds to Team LeBron.
But off an offensive rebound, Lillard hit a midrange jumper to break his brief scoring drought. Not long later, he added another bucket by slicing through the lane for a smooth finger roll.
He also accumulated two rebounds and one assist in five first quarter minutes.
Second Quarter
Damian Lillard started off the second quarter and quickly connected a long three-pointer. He tried to keep the momentum with another deep attempt but missed narrowly.
He was then subbed out by Rockets coach Mike D’Antoni with just over eight minutes remaining.
Team Steph then proceeded to blow its double-digit lead with Dame on the bench. At half, Team Steph led, 78-76.
Third Quarter
After resting most of the second quarter, Dame started the third quarter and immediately missed another three-pointer. It wasn’t long until his next shot attempt though, a deep midrange that he drained.
Continuing his offensive barrage, Lillard finished ANOTHER three-point attempt, plus a one-legged floater shortly after, to extend Team Steph’s lead.
Despite the hot start, Dame went to the bench halfway through the third quarter with 14 points on 6/10 shooting and two three-pointers.
He didn’t return and once again Team Steph blew its lead.
Fourth Quarter
Tradition from the previous two quarters, Damian Lillard started the fourth quarter and missed a three-pointer from way downtown.
He followed up the miss with an offensive rebound and put-back jumper (sound familiar?). The next possession, Dame hit a fading three-pointer with a hand in his face.
At this point, he was Team Steph’s leading scorer and second only behind LeBron James for the game.
Next: History of Blazers in the All-Star game
THAT DOESN’T STOP DAME TIME. He quickly hit another shot for 21 and highest point total in the game.
But D’Antoni decided to take him out. We blame you, Space City Scoop.
— Space City Scoop (@SpaceCity_Scoop) February 19, 2018
As expected, Team LeBron came back with Damian Lillard on the bench.
With Dame on the sideline, the game ended 148-145, Team LeBron. Instead of subbing Lillard in to hit the buzzer-beater, D’Antoni chose Kyle Lowry, who did nothing positive.
The true Kia All-Star MVP ended with 21 points, 3 rebounds, 2 assists on 9/14 shooting and 3/8 three-pointers.