PORTLAND — Guard for the Portland Trail Blazers while scoring 60 points for the fourth time in his career in Wednesday’s 134-124 win over the Utah Jazz. Damien Lillard Made history with his efficiency.
Lillard only needed 29 shooting attempts and 10 free throw attempts to score 60, making him an elite fellow. Besides, he has 2 players (Karl Malone 26 in 1990, James Harden 24 in 2019), reaching 60 points on fewer shooting attempts, but both scored a high percentage at the foul line and got 23 free throws each.
On the other hand, only one player scored 60 points (Rick Barry 5 in 1974) and less than 10 free throw attempts. With chances limited, Lillard recorded his 60-point true shooting percentage (a measure of efficiency that combines shot attempts and free throws) in his game (.898).
“It was incredible,” Blazers manager Chauncey Billups said. For a guy who made it, you would think this guy has a ridiculous number of 3. It was incredible how efficient he was.”
In fact, Lillard made nine 3-pointers, the second-most in 60-point games in January 2020, behind only his own total of 11 in January 2020. 60 point game.
Lillard didn’t realize the 60-point night was a historic one until he was informed by the media after the game, as Lillard usually doesn’t check his phone until after he leaves the arena.
“The most efficient 60-point game ever, right?” said Lillard. “That’s crazy. I didn’t know that. I was sitting here thinking I hit a shot from half court towards the end of the shot at the end of the shot clock. It probably would have been a little better. Free I missed a throw. Shit.”
In the early stages of the game, there were few signs that Lillard would be on the record books. He only scored nine points in the first quarter before he heated up. Lillard scored 17 points in the second quarter and 30 points in this game when he exploded late in the third period.
Starting with a layup at the 6:42 mark in the third, Lillard went on to score the final 20 points of Portland’s period, shooting 7/9 with three 3-pointers from the field in that span. He was his third player to record his 20th consecutive scoring streak on the team this season, and he was also his second player to reach 50 points in the third quarter, according to an ESPN Stats & Information study. . (Devin Booker There was another Phoenix Suns player.)
Amazingly, Billups had to convince Lillard to keep him in the game during that stretch.
“I thought he was tired at the end of the third. He was so hot.” ’ said GP (Gary Payton II) and everyone was like, “No, let him go!” I said, man, this could be a good game at the end. I have to trust everyone in that moment. ”
Despite Lillard’s heroism, the Jazz managed to stay within range, allowing Lillard to return to the game and approach a career-high 62 points. He reached 60 for the fourth time in his career on a pair of free throws with 1:37 left, but failed to attempt a shot on the Blazers’ next two possessions. It reminded me of the stakes.
“That’s the only reason I kept him in the game,” Billups said. “I would have taken him out. When I pulled him out, I said to him, ‘Buddy, what are you doing?’ Trying to get high.He looked at me and said.Bro, I would have kicked you out and got the position you deserved.It just speaks to who he is.He I wasn’t thinking about it.
In the ensuing downcourt at Portland, Lillard hit a deep three-point shot that missed before Utah double-teamed. Just seconds after the Blazers regained possession, Lillard conceded the chase.
“There was still time on the clock, but I wasn’t going to come back thirsty, leaving so much time in the game just to achieve a career high,” he explained. I didn’t think it was a thing, so that was the end of it.”
Lillard has the second-most points scorer in the NBA this season. Donovan Mitchell scored 71 in Cleveland’s overtime game against Chicago on January 3, Luka Doncic Scored 60 in Dallas’ OT victory over New York on December 27th.
As the fifth player in NBA history to score 60 or more points four times, Wilt Chamberlain (32), Kobe Bryant (6), James Harden, Michael Jordan (4 each) and Lillard are in a rare position to compare such performances. stood out.
“It was very simple,” he said. “I don’t want to say it was easy because they had big bodies and long defenders, but I think usually I just don’t play simple and get into the groove that goes. Teams started coming in. After me. quick.
“I was kicking and swinging forward, so I didn’t feel like I was being chased until the end. So it seemed the simplest.”
Lillard is now the third-oldest player to score 60 points at 32, according to ESPN Stats & Information, but he has a chance to keep improving his total. Already, he was impressed by the unusual company he joined Wednesday.
“I haven’t caught Wilt,” said Lillard. “It’s out. Dan, that’s cool.”
