Damian Lillard made another one of his patented game-winning shots to help lift the Portland Trail Blazers over the Chicago Bulls on Saturday. After celebrating with his teammates in the locker room, Lillard shared what went through his mind before nailing the clutch three-pointer against the Bulls.
“Once Gary went to the jump circle, in my head I was like, ‘It’s about to happen. The ball is going to end up in my hands and I’m not going to have much time,’ Damian Lillard said, via The Athletic's Jason Quick.
With only a few seconds remaining in the game, Gary Trent Jr. and Zach LaVine were involved in a jump-ball scenario. Trent would win the jump-ball, only for the ball to bounce around on the court, somehow finding Damian Lillard near the three-point line.
Lillard would take a couple of dribbles after getting the ball from Robert Covington before unfurling a shot over Lauri Markannen. While doing his patented step-back three on the wing, Damian Lillard got the shot he wanted to give the Trail Blazers a much-needed win.
Article Continues BelowEven though the game-winner didn't happen in a postseason game, Damian Lillard explained why it was such a special shot.
“This is one of those ambitious moments that never happen, never comes to life,” Lillard said. “But this time it did, so I think because of that, this will be a special one.”
The Trail Blazers faced an improbable five-point deficit with nearly 10 seconds remaining. But it was Damian Lillard who rose to the occasion once again, proving himself to be one of the most clutch performers in the NBA.
Whether it's January or May, the regular season or the playoffs, the Bulls or a high-end team such as the Lakers or Warriors, Dame Time is always something to watch for on your wrist or the scoreboard clock inside the arena. Damian Lillard is always able to do something special.