During a TV broadcast in a recent game, the NBA shared a graphic showing the players with the most game-winning shots in the last five seconds of a game since 2012/13. Though it may be a surprise to fans nationally, no Portland Trail Blazers fans will be surprised to see Damian Lillard at the top of the list.
Most game-winning field goals in the last five seconds since 2012/13.
Damian Lillard – 9
LeBron James – 8
Joe Johnson, Al Horford, Russell Westbrook, Kawhi Leonard, Stephen Curry, James Harden – 7
Many of these game-winners by Dame have been buzzer-beaters, obviously including his two famous playoff game-winners, and the unbelievable shot against the Chicago Bulls last week. When Dame hit this shot, he joined an elite club with just four other NBA players in it.
What makes Dame so clutch, is his ability to get open on jump shots or get to the rim at the end of games. His mentality in those moments, is that he is the best player in the world.
His ability to pull up from anywhere on the court, makes him impossible to guard in the open court.
Damian Lillard may be the best player in the clutch in the NBA. Bar LeBron James, no current player has the amount of iconic big shots on their resume that Dame does.
Dame is also far from done. At just 30, he is at the peak of his powers and is firmly in his prime years.