Damian Lillard is no stranger to putting his entire team on his back when it matters most. The Portland Trail Blazers superstar is known for his late-game heroics and scoring barrages in the fourth quarter.

Lillard turned on “Dame Time” for the Blazers once again vs. the Phoenix Suns on Thursday night, piling on 24 points to nearly complete an epic comeback against the West's number two seed.

That game marked the eight such 20-point performance of his career in a game's final frame. The Blazers star now ranks second in the last 25 years for games with 20 or more points in the fourth, trailing only Los Angeles Lakers icon Kobe Bryant and current Lakers standard-bearer LeBron James.

Article Continues Below
More News
May 31, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Wings forward NaLyssa Smith (1) reacts after scoring a three-point basket against the Chicago Sky during the first half at College Park Center. Mandatory Credit: Chris Jones-Imagn Images
Wings shockingly trade NaLyssa Smith to AcesJoey Mistretta ·
Phoenix Suns guard Bradley Beal (3) reacts against the Charlotte Hornets during the first half at Footprint Center.
Suns make two key roster decisions amid Bradley Beal rumorsZachary Weinberger ·
Suns center Nick Richards (2) against the Minnesota Timberwolves at Footprint Center with the Knicks and Lakers logos in the background
NBA rumors: Suns center linked to Knicks, Lakers in trade talksJosue Pavon ·
LeBron James photoshopped Warriors
Warriors’ trade proposal for LeBron James pairs NBA legend with Steph CurryBailey Bassett ·
Chicago Sky forward Angel Reese (5) handles the ball in the second half against the Los Angeles Sparks at Crypto.com Arena.
Angel Reese’s message to mom after historic gameRussell Steinberg ·
Baltimore Ravens quarterback Lamar Jackson (8) runs against Pittsburgh Steelers safety Minkah Fitzpatrick (39) in the first quarter in an AFC wild card game at M&T Bank Stadium.
Ex-Pro Bowler rips Dolphins after Jalen Ramsey, Jonnu Smith tradeDouglas Fritz ·

What makes this much more impressive  is the fact that Lillard's done so within just nine Blazers seasons, as he entered the league back in 2012. LeBron James has had double that, as the Lakers star is currently in his 18th season. Kobe Bryant had 20 seasons as a member of the Purple & Gold before hanging it up in 2016.

It's mind-boggling to think that Lillard has had one such performance nearly every season, constantly coming up big for the Blazers when the need arises. It's a safe bet that he'll be breaking that record sooner rather than later.

Portland is definitely going to need some more of his late-game juice for another deep playoff run this season. But before they get there, Damian Lillard and the Blazers need to secure their top six seed with a win over the Denver Nuggets on Sunday night.

Should the Lakers win out their remaining two games, Portland becomes at risk of falling into the dreaded play-in tournament, and a potential date with Stephen Curry's Golden State Warriors. The final two days of the regular season are going to be littered with last-minute playoff implications.