Damian Lillard and the Portland Trail Blazers just secured their slot for a play-in tournament in a huge way. After Sunday's crucial win against the Philadelphia 76ers where Dame dropped a 50-piece, he was at it again on Tuesday where he exploded for a 61-point performance against the Dallas Mavericks. With the win, Portland will now be controlling their own destiny as they climb up to the eighth spot in the West.
The five-time All-Star becomes the first Blazer in franchise history to tally back-to-back 50s now leads the league in 50-point games this season with a total of six. If you still weren't sure what time it is, it's definitely āDame Timeā.
LILLARD FOR 61 š„š³pic.twitter.com/OYnFHScqu5
ā ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) August 12, 2020
It was a thrilling end-to-end battle against the Blazers and the Mavericks but Lillard once again put the team on his back and spearheaded another statement win for Portland. With the game going down the wire, crucial lapses from the Mavs offense and huge, clutch shots from Lillard ultimately got the Blazers their fifth win in Orlando.
āIt aināt nothing I want more. I told you when I first came here, I didnāt come here to waste my time. They gave us a chance to get in like we asked for & thatās what weāre here to do. Job still aināt done, but you know what Iām here for.ā
Damian Lillard after his 61 point game. pic.twitter.com/MQemfEGJbl
ā ClutchPoints (@ClutchPointsApp) August 12, 2020
The league announced that they will be crowning a bubble MVP and with his incredible performance so far, Lillard is surely one of the heavy favorites to secure the award. So far, the Blazers guard has been on a tear averaging 37 points per game in Orlando.
The Blazers will face the Brooklyn Nets on Thursday where they will look to cement their top-eight finish. Look for Lillard to be locked in for that one.