The NBA world has been shaken by the news of Damian Lillard’s trade to the Milwaukee Bucks. As the “Dame Time” echoes fade after 11 remarkable seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, it’s time to take a nostalgic trip down memory lane and revisit Dame’s 10 most iconic on-the-court moments during his time in Rip City.
Lillard’s tenure in Portland was nothing short of spectacular. From heart-stopping game-winners to record-breaking scoring nights, the franchise icon consistently left both fans and opponents in awe.
Let’s dive into 10 moments that will immortalize Damian Lillard’s on-court legacy in Portland.
10) The beginning of clutch Damian Lillard
On Dec. 16, 2012, Lillard provided a glimpse of the brilliance to come by setting the tone for his Rookie of the Year-winning season. In a tightly contested game against the New Orleans Hornets, with both teams locked at 92 and the tension palpable, the stage was set for a memorable finish.
As the clock dwindled, Lillard, showcasing poise beyond his years, received a pass from teammate Luke Babbit. Without hesitation, Dame pulled up from beyond the arc, releasing a deep 3-pointer that found its mark.
This exhilarating 95-92 win wasn’t just a victory for the Trail Blazers; it was the NBA universe’s introduction to Lillard’s penchant for delivering in the clutch. The Moda Center erupted in jubilation, bearing witness to the birth of a new NBA sensation.
This moment foreshadowed a series of game-winning shots and clutch performances that would define Lillard’s legacy. Over time, his consistent ability to rise to the occasion, especially in high-pressure situations, would solidify his reputation, earning him widespread acclaim as one of the NBA’s most reliable and formidable finishers.
9) Lillard wins the 2023 NBA 3-Point Contest
Donning his Weber State jersey, a nod to his collegiate roots, Damian Lillard stepped onto the court for the 2023 NBA All-Star 3-point Contest with a palpable sense of purpose. While he had showcased his sharpshooting prowess in the 2019 and 2020 contests, victory had eluded him.
This year, though, Dame seemed to be on a singular mission, driven by past experiences and a burning desire to claim the crown.
From the outset, Lillard’s focus and determination were unmistakable. He lit up the arena with an impressive performance, accumulating 26 points in the preliminary round. This set the stage for an intense final showdown, where he faced off against sharpshooters Buddy Hield and Tyrese Haliburton.
Lillard’s resilience and composure shone through as the clock ticked and the pressure escalated. In a display of sheer brilliance, he drained shot after shot, ultimately securing the coveted title.
This triumphant moment was more than just a win; it was a reflection of Lillard’s relentless spirit, unwavering dedication and journey of perseverance. It served as a reminder of why he is regarded as one of the premier sharpshooters in the league.
8) Lillard bags his first triple-double
On Jan. 29, 2020, the Moda Center bore witness to another chapter in Damian Lillard’s illustrious career. Squaring off against the formidable Houston Rockets, Lillard showcased a masterclass in basketball versatility, recording his maiden triple-double with a stellar 36 points, 11 assists and 10 rebounds.
Adding to the spectacle, he drained two audacious near-logo 3-pointers, further electrifying the atmosphere.
This remarkable achievement wasn’t an isolated incident. It came on the heels of an impressive run of games that saw Lillard crowned the Western Conference Player of the Week. During this stretch, he dazzled fans with a jaw-dropping 61-point explosion against the Golden State Warriors and followed it with a 50-point spectacle against the Indiana Pacers.
Securing his first of three triple-doubles in a Blazers jersey wasn’t just about the numbers; it reflected Lillard’s multifaceted game. It underscored his ability to impact various aspects of a match, from scoring to playmaking to rebounding.
This performance solidified Lillard’s reputation as a scorer and a complete player capable of single-handedly steering the course of a game and leaving an indelible mark on the NBA landscape.
7) A nod to greatness: Damian Lillard named to NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team
Dame’s inclusion on the NBA’s 75th Anniversary Team placed him in an esteemed group of basketball luminaries. Joining the ranks of Blazers legends such as Bill Walton, Clyde Drexler and Scottie Pippen, as well as iconic figures such as Lenny Wilkens and Carmelo Anthony, Lillard’s selection was a testament to his remarkable career and influence on the game.
The fact that he was one of only 11 active players to be bestowed with this honor speaks volumes about his standing in the contemporary basketball landscape.
Earning a spot on this prestigious team wasn’t just a nod to Lillard’s achievements, but a recognition of his transformative impact on basketball. Dame has been a prolific scorer, playmaker and leader, both on and off the court. His dedication, passion and unwavering commitment to excellence have inspired countless young players and fans.
This accolade, more than just a feather in his cap, solidified Lillard’s legacy in the annals of NBA history. It celebrated his consistent brilliance, invaluable contributions to the sport and indomitable spirit, making him one of basketball’s most revered figures.
6) Lillard sets the bar high with 71 points
Damian Lillard delivered a performance for the ages in his final curtain-call season with the Portland Trail Blazers. Facing off against the Houston Rockets, Lillard showcased an offensive masterclass, amassing an astounding 71 points.
This wasn’t just another high-scoring game; it was a testament to Lillard’s prowess, determination and sheer skill on the basketball court. With this monumental feat, he became one of eight players to score 70 points or more in a single NBA game. This record-breaking night was another chapter in Lillard’s illustrious career, solidifying his place among the basketball elite.
While individual accolades and scoring records are impressive, what truly defines Lillard’s legacy and most memorable moments are his clutch performances when the stakes are at their highest. Throughout his career, Dame has consistently delivered when his team needed him the most. His ability to perform under pressure, especially in pivotal games, has earned him a reputation as one of the game’s most reliable and impactful players.
More than the records, these moments are what fans and basketball lovers will remember and cherish, underscoring Lillard’s indelible mark left on the NBA.
5) Lillard’s bittersweet symphony
June 1, 2021, will forever be remembered as the day Lillard delivered a masterclass in basketball artistry. In a high-stakes playoff showdown against the formidable Denver Nuggets, Lillard had a performance that left fans, players and pundits in awe.
He exploded for an astonishing 55 points in a game that stretched into double overtime, keeping viewers on the edge of their seats.
But it wasn’t just the sheer volume of points that made this performance legendary – after trailing by 22 points, Lillard, with his signature blend of skill and determination, drained a clutch 3-pointer at the buzzer, leveling the score and breathing life into his team’s comeback hopes.
Not stopping there, with just 6.4 seconds remaining in the first OT, Dame showcased his “Dame Time” magic again, sinking another crucial three.
Having witnessed numerous playoff games over his career, Blazers’ Coach Terry Stotts was left amazed, remarking, “It was the best playoff performance I’ve ever seen.”
Yet, the night ended in heartbreak for the Blazers. Despite Lillard’s heroics, they couldn’t clinch the win. CJ McCollum’s comment, lamenting the team’s inability to rally around Lillard’s monumental effort, captured the bittersweet essence of the evening: “It’s a shame we wasted one of the all-time best performances by not being more supportive of him.”
4) Bubble Lillard delivers
As the end of the 2020 NBA season neared, the Portland Trail Blazers were on the cusp of playoff contention. With the weight of an entire city’s hopes on his shoulders, Lillard stepped up in a manner few could replicate.
In a crucial game against the Dallas Mavericks, Dame delivered what can only be described as an offensive tour de force. He erupted for 61 points, orchestrating a 134-131 win. This Herculean effort showcased Dame’s scoring prowess and propelled the Blazers to the eighth spot in the fiercely competitive Western Conference.
But Lillard wasn’t done. The NBA’s inaugural Play-In tournament presented another challenge, and once again, Dame showcased his clutch gene.
Facing the young and energetic Memphis Grizzlies, Lillard demonstrated his all-around skills. He poured in 31 points and dished out 10 assists, which proved pivotal in the Blazers’ 126-122 win. This performance ensured Portland’s place in the playoffs, further solidifying Lillard’s reputation as one of the game’s premier performers, especially when the stakes are at their highest.
3) Lillard secures Portland’s all-time scoring record
On Dec. 19, 2022, the basketball world paused to witness a defining moment in the history of the Portland Trail Blazers. With his signature blend of grace and grit, Damian Lillard surpassed the legendary Clyde Drexler to claim the Trail Blazers’ all-time leading scorer title. This wasn’t just a record, but a culmination of years of dedication, hard work and an unwavering passion for the game.
Remarkable consistency has marked Lillard’s journey with the Blazers. Game after game, season after season, he has delivered performances that have both thrilled fans and propelled the team forward. Even in the face of challenges, his commitment to the franchise speaks volumes about his character and his love for the city of Portland.
In the aftermath of this historic achievement, Lillard, the humble superstar, proclaimed his belief in being the greatest Blazer of all time. While such a statement might stir debate among basketball fans, there’s no denying that surpassing a figure as iconic as Drexler bolsters his claim.
For many people, this moment didn’t just rewrite the record books; it solidified Lillard’s legacy as one of the most influential figures in Trail Blazers’ history.
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.
1) The rise of “Dame Time”
In the vast tapestry of NBA history, certain moments stand out, forever etched in the memories of fans and players alike. Lillard’s series-clinching buzzer-beater against the Houston Rockets holds a special place among these.
Five years before his game-winner against the Thunder, it was this shot that announced Lillard’s arrival on the grand stage. With the game hanging in the balance, Lillard showcased his unique blend of audacity and skill, launching a deep 3-pointer that would go down as one of the most memorable shots in playoff history.
This wasn’t just a game-winner; it was a statement. The shot catapulted the Portland Trail Blazers into the Western Conference semifinals for the first time in 14 years. But more importantly, it gave rise to the phenomenon of “Dame Time.”
This term, now synonymous with clutch performances, encapsulates Lillard’s ability to rise to the occasion, delivering when it matters the most.
For Blazers fans, this moment is a cherished memory, a reminder of the heights the team can reach with Lillard at the helm. For the wider basketball community, it was an introduction to a superstar in the making, forever changing the narrative of Dame’s illustrious career.
Damian Lillard’s journey with the Portland Trail Blazers was a roller-coaster of emotions, filled with highs, lows and countless unforgettable moments. As he embarks on a new chapter with the Milwaukee Bucks, the memories he crafted in Rip City will forever resonate with fans and basketball enthusiasts worldwide.