Trail Blazers star guard Damian Lillard put up 60 points en route to Portland’s 134-124 win over the Utah Jazz on Wednesday. Here’s what you need to know:
- In addition to his 60 points, Lillard added seven rebounds and eight assists.
- The 60-point game was Lillard’s fourth of his career, tying him with James Harden and Michael Jordan for the third-most in NBA history.
- Lillard became the first player in NBA history with three games of 60 points, and at least five rebounds, five assists and five 3-pointers in his career, per ESPN Stats & Info.
- The Trail Blazers (23-25) are in 12th place in the Western Conference.
Backstory
Lillard has 380 points over his last 10 games, marking his most over a 10-game span since he scored 415 points from Jan. 20 through Feb. 9, 2020.
With his eighth 3-pointer Wednesday, Lillard also passed Vince Carter (2,290) for sixth on the NBA’s all-time 3-point list. He passed Jason Terry (2,282) for seventh place Monday.
Where this ranks among Lillard’s performances
Lillard has had more dramatic performances, and higher-scoring games, but this might be the finest performance of his 11-year NBA career because of his efficiency and across-the-board production (eight assists, seven rebounds and three steals).
“Incredible, man,” coach Chauncey Billups said. “You don’t get to see that very often.”
GO DEEPER
How Damian Lillard scored a ‘simple’ 60 in Blazers win: ‘Something you don’t get to see very often’
What does this mean historically?
With his fourth career game of 60 or more points, Lillard is tied for third all-time with Jordan and Harden. Kobe Bryant is second with six and Wilt Chamberlain is first with 32.
“I ain’t catchin’ Wilt,” Lillard quipped.
Lillard also moved past Zach Randolph into 69th on the all-time scoring list (18,578).
Required reading
(Photo: Sam Forencich / NBAE via Getty Images)
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