Ranking Damian Lillard’s top 10 moments with the Portland Trail Blazers
By Jacob Dazzeo
2) Lillard waves bye-bye to the Thunder
The 2019 NBA playoffs witnessed a moment that will forever resonate in basketball lore. In Game 5 of the first round series between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Oklahoma City Thunder, the atmosphere in the Moda Center was electric, and Lillard made a bold decision with the game’s outcome hanging in the balance.
From a staggering 37 feet, he launched a shot that would become legendary. As the ball sailed through the air and swished through the net, it didn’t just secure the win for the Blazers; it concluded the series, sending the Thunder home.
Yet, the drama didn’t conclude with the shot. Paul George, the Thunder’s star player guarding Lillard, labeled the game-winning 3-pointer a “bad shot.” While some interpreted this as George’s momentary frustration, others saw it as an unintentional tribute to Lillard’s audacity.
Rather than overshadowing Lillard’s achievement, George’s comment only amplified the moment’s significance. This sequence, from Lillard’s fearless shot to George’s memorable remark, exemplifies the drama and passion of NBA basketball, capturing the essence of why fans are so captivated by the sport.