Star Damian Lillard career-high 71 points and record win over the Rockets |
Damian
Lillard: A Closer Look at the NBA's Dynamic Superstar
In a game
against the Houston Rockets, Damian Lillard achieved new milestones in his
career and for his team, the Portland Trail Blazers. He scored an impressive 71
points, which is currently tied for the most points scored by any player in the
NBA this season. Additionally, he made 13 3-pointers, also setting a new
personal best. These impressive feats helped the Trail Blazers end their
two-game losing streak and secure a 131-114 victory over the Rockets.
Damian
Lillard, also known as "Dame," is one of the NBA's most dynamic and
exciting players. From his game-winning shots to his impressive scoring
ability, Lillard has made a name for himself as one of the league's most elite
athletes. But who is Damian Lillard, and what makes him such a special player?
Early Life
and Career
Born on July
15, 1990, in Oakland, California, Damian Lillard grew up playing basketball
with his older brother, Houston. As a teenager, Lillard played for his high
school team at Oakland High School, where he was a standout player. However,
despite his impressive skills on the court, Lillard was not heavily recruited
by Division I colleges.
Instead,
Lillard attended Weber State University, where he quickly made a name for
himself as one of the most talented players in the Big Sky Conference. In his
sophomore year, Lillard averaged 19.9 points per game, and by his junior year,
he was averaging 24.5 points per game. In 2012, Lillard declared for the NBA
draft and was selected as the sixth overall pick by the Portland Trail Blazers.
NBA Career
Lillard's
NBA career got off to a promising start, as he was named the NBA Rookie of the
Year in his first season. However, it was in the 2013-2014 season that Lillard
truly began to make a name for himself. In that season, he hit a game-winning
three-pointer in the final seconds of Game 6 against the Houston Rockets,
helping the Blazers advance to the second round of the playoffs.
Since then,
Lillard has become known for his clutch performances and game-winning shots. He
has been named to the NBA All-Star team six times, and he has been named to the
All-NBA First Team three times. Lillard has also set numerous records,
including the NBA record for most three-pointers made in a player's first six
seasons.
Playing
Style
Lillard's
playing style is what sets him apart from other NBA superstars. Known for his
deep range and ability to hit shots from beyond the arc, Lillard has become one
of the most feared shooters in the league. He is also a skilled ball-handler,
able to weave through defenders and create his own shot.
However,
what really sets Lillard apart is his mental toughness and ability to perform
in high-pressure situations. He has hit numerous game-winning shots throughout
his career, including a 37-foot buzzer-beater in Game 5 of the first round of
the 2019 NBA playoffs. Lillard is also known for his work ethic and dedication
to the game, which has helped him become one of the best players in the league.
Off the
Court
Off the
court, Lillard is known for his philanthropy and activism. He has established
the Damian Lillard Foundation, which supports a variety of causes, including
education, community development, and social justice. Lillard is also an
advocate for mental health, and he has spoken openly about his struggles with
anxiety and depression.
In addition
to his charitable work, Lillard is also a musician. He has released several
albums under the name "Dame D.O.L.L.A.," including his most recent
album, "Different On Levels The Lord Allowed."