Portland Trail Blazers star Damian Lillard had yet one more earth-shattering efficiency Sunday night time in opposition to the Houston Rockets, changing into the eighth participant in NBA historical past to document 70 or extra points in a sport.
Lillard was unconscious versus the Rockets, ending 22-of-38 taking pictures from the sphere, and 13-of-22 from 3-point vary, to dwarf his unique profession better of 61 with 71 points in a 131-114 Blazers’ victory.
Per Statmuse, Lillard’s fifth sport of 60 or extra points strikes him forward of James Harden and Michael Jordan for third all-time. Lillard trails solely (*71*) Bryant (6) and Wilt Chamberlain (32) for the all-time lead.
Lillard wasted little time making an affect Sunday night time, posting a historic first-half efficiency. Powered by 41-points from Lillard, the Blazers took a 73-58 lead over the Rockets at halftime.
According to ESPN Stats and Info, Lillard is just the third participant over the final 25 seasons to attain 41 or extra points in a half, becoming a member of Kyrie Irving (41) and the late Bryant (42).
The 32-year-old is just the second participant to document 41-plus points and eight or extra 3-pointers in a primary half, becoming a member of Bryant, who achieved the feat in 2003, per the NBA.
Lillard’s outstanding efficiency in opposition to the Rockets is considered one of many from seven-time All-Star this yr.
Back in January, Lillard equaled a then-career-high 60 points in opposition to the Utah Jazz, practically two weeks faraway from a 50-point effort versus the Cleveland Cavaliers.
If the Trail Blazers hope to make the postseason, they’re going to possible want extra of the identical from Lillard down the stretch.
With a win over the Rockets, the Blazers (29-31) transfer inside a half-game of the New Orleans Pelicans (30-31) for the Western Conference’s closing play-in spot.
Discussion about this post