Damian Lillard hits the biggest shot of his career (so far) to send the Blazers into the second round
What a game. What a series. In this year's tightly contested NBA Playoffs of upsets and road wins, the Houston Rockets (4) vs Portland Trail Blazers (5) was the most exciting yet. With the right combination of tight games (several heading into overtime), high octane offense and an exciting cast of NBA stars, even fans of other teams are sure to have enjoyed this six-game contest.
We might have been treated to another action-packed game if not for the heroics of Damian Lillard. The Blazers were down 2 with just 0.9 seconds left and momentum was swinging in the Rockets' favor with a seemingly botched call and then a lucky offensive rebound and put-back from Chandler Parsons. In these late-game situations, everyone knows it's #LillardTime and once again, he delivered. Lillard just sprinted away from Chandler Parsons, clapped his hands to get Nicolas' Batum's attention and rose up to hit the buzzer-beating, game and series-winning basket. And the crowd went wild. Fittingly so, as it's been 14 years since the Blazers made it past the first round.
The sophomore has been making a name for himself beyond his stats and awards. He's been hitting clutch baskets all season long and has handled late-game situations with a veteran's composure. In his first NBA Playoffs, he's averaging a stellar 25.5 points, 6.7 assists, 6.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals and is shooting 47% from the field, 49% from deep and 88% from the line. Those numbers are all higher than his regular season averages. He's been so good that his performance is already being compared to Michael Jordan's and Lebron James'.
LaMarcus Aldridge may have been making the Portland headlines with his 40-point outputs in the first few games, but Lillard's shot will be the one remembered for years to come.
We might have been treated to another action-packed game if not for the heroics of Damian Lillard. The Blazers were down 2 with just 0.9 seconds left and momentum was swinging in the Rockets' favor with a seemingly botched call and then a lucky offensive rebound and put-back from Chandler Parsons. In these late-game situations, everyone knows it's #LillardTime and once again, he delivered. Lillard just sprinted away from Chandler Parsons, clapped his hands to get Nicolas' Batum's attention and rose up to hit the buzzer-beating, game and series-winning basket. And the crowd went wild. Fittingly so, as it's been 14 years since the Blazers made it past the first round.
The sophomore has been making a name for himself beyond his stats and awards. He's been hitting clutch baskets all season long and has handled late-game situations with a veteran's composure. In his first NBA Playoffs, he's averaging a stellar 25.5 points, 6.7 assists, 6.3 rebounds, 1.3 steals and is shooting 47% from the field, 49% from deep and 88% from the line. Those numbers are all higher than his regular season averages. He's been so good that his performance is already being compared to Michael Jordan's and Lebron James'.
LaMarcus Aldridge may have been making the Portland headlines with his 40-point outputs in the first few games, but Lillard's shot will be the one remembered for years to come.
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| Lillard rises up in his adidas Crazyquick 2 shoes to deliver the knockout punch. |
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| Lillard celebrates with the Portland crowd as they head into the second round for the first time in 14 years. |
Photos courtesy of the Portland Trail Blazers Facebook Page.
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