Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard played a career game on Saturday during his team's win against the Utah Jazz. He scored a career and franchise-high 59 points, including nine three-point shots, to go along with six rebounds, five assists, and one steal.
However, the 26-year-old Weber State product is confident he can still surpass it someday. He discussed with the Associated Press via NBC Sports, that it's an honor to hold the record for the Blazers franchise, especially considering the greats that have played for the team in the past.
“A lot of players have played here, so just to think about that it’s a great honor, but hopefully I’ll beat it. Hopefully I’ll get past that. I think I will.”
Lillard also added that the importance of the game motivated him to give his best as he didn't want to let his teammates down.
“Tonight was a game we absolutely had to have, especially with the last two times we played them, they defended really well. I was able to overcome that and have a great offensive performance in a much-needed game at the right time. That meant a lot to me.”
Their win over the Jazz, and the Denver Nuggets‘ loss on Sunday, secured their place in this year's playoffs. Lillard and company will now shift their focus on the postseason, where they will look to upset the Golden State Warriors in the first round.
With his confidence and ability to step up in big game situations, the Blazers are hoping they can replicate the success they had last year and even go beyond the conference semifinals. Lillard's impressive performance also gave their opponents a warning that he shouldn't be taken lightly on any given night.
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