Damian Lillard has flourished in the last month-and-change of this NBA season, dazzling fans and opponents with a string of strong performances throughout this stretch of the season.

On Tuesday night, he capped the night off early with a 37-point outing, shooting 10-of-18 from the field and 8-of-11 from beyond the arc en route to a 111-87 win over the New York Knicks. This was the third 35-plus-point performance in the last four games, as he's made himself noticed by some of the league's analyst, journalists, and pundits.

Even opposing coach Jeff Hornacek sung praise to Lillard, noting he could be in the running for the Most Valuable Player award.

Article Continues Below
More Trail Blazers News
l Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2) is introduced before the game against the Phoenix Suns at Moda Center
NBA rumors: Why Blazers failed to find Deandre Ayton trade before buyoutJosue Pavon ·
Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2) walks out to the court during introductions before a game against the Sacramento Kings at Moda Center with ESPN's Kendrick Perkins in the background
NBA rumors: Kendrick Perkins hits Deandre Ayton with ‘diva, cancer’ labelsJosue Pavon ·
Portland Trail Blazers center Deandre Ayton (2) reacts after helping secure a 121-119 overtime win against the Phoenix Suns at Moda Center.
Deandre Ayton becomes top free agent center after Blazers contract buyoutMalik Brown ·
Yang Hansen stands with NBA commissioner Adam Silver after being selected as the 16th pick by the Memphis Grizzlies in the first round of the 2025 NBA Draft at Barclays Center. Trail Blazers
Blazers rookie Yang Hansen drops all-time quote on life away from basketballZachary Howell ·
May 14, 2025; Chicago, Il, USA; Jase Richardson talks to the media during the 2025 NBA Draft Combine at Marriott Marquis Chicago.
Orlando Magic’s Jase Richardson headlines 5 biggest steals of 2025 NBA Draft Round 1Rishav Bhat ·
Arizona Wildcats guard Caleb Love (1) reacts against the Oregon Ducks in the second half at Climate Pledge Arena.
Blazers make swift move on Arizona star after NBA DraftAlex House ·

“I said after I won Rookie of the Year, I said I think I can be MVP in this league,” said Lillard, according to Anne M. Peterson of The Associated Press. “Being in the discussion, it’s an honor to be mentioned, but I don’t look at that and think ‘Oh they mentioned me in the MVP discussion.’ I feel that’s the level of player I can be.”

Even if the likes of his teammate Shabazz Napier marvel at his play, Lillard has had this fierce mentality since coming into the league and after catapulting his Portland Trail Blazers from the low end of the playoff board to third place after eight straight wins, he's slowly building a case for the honor.

The Blazers only have a one-game separation with the fourth-place New Orleans Pelicans and talisman Anthony Davis, who has also thrown his hat in the race for the MVP honors.