Portland Trail Blazers talisman Damian Lillard is building a strong case for an MVP season from the get go. The Oakland native dropped an eye-catching 39 points during Tuesday's 113-104 season-opener victory against the Utah Jazz.

Lillard's shot was blazing-hot, hitting on 13 of his 20 attempts from the field, including 4-of-6 from deep and a perfect 9-of-9 from the free throw line.

Despite being guarded by a tough customer in new Jazz point guard George Hill, the 6-foot guard was able to make tough shots with the defense draped all over him, like this three-pointer while adjusting in mid-air.

As it turns out, Lillard was not only making the contested shots, but also the open ones, railing this 28-footer smoothly and comfortably.

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The Blazers' backcourt carried the team on their shoulders, scoring 64 points as the other three starters combined for only 11 points. Lillard had an all-around game, getting team-highs in points, rebounds, and assists, registering a 39-9-6 line in 35 minutes of action. His shot-making was merciless to the very end, as he put a fork in it with this dagger three with only a minute to go.