Damian Lillard

Was I supposed to be overly excited?” the Blazers All-Star said Sunday night. He was not the first to score 71 in a game this season, and he may not be the ...

His scoring average of 32.3 points is a career high and is third in the N.B.A. That’s tied for the second most in a game behind Thompson’s 14 for the Warriors in a 52-point game in 2018. He also has career highs in field goal percentage (.472) and free throw percentage (.919) and in most of the all-inclusive stats Of the players who tallied the 20 other 50-point games this season, only Jayson Tatum — in a 51-point game for the Celtics — had as many free throws without missing one. Only two other Blazers scored in double figures, and only one — Jerami Grant — hit double figures in shots. [Only eight players](https://stathead.com/tiny/Phvdb) have scored 70 points in an N.B.A. The only player to do it more than once was Wilt Chamberlain, who accomplished the 70-plus feat six times, topped by [his legendary 100-point game](https://www.nytimes.com/2022/03/02/sports/basketball/wilt-chamberlain-100-point-game.html) in 1962. Mitchell’s 71 came in 50 minutes in an overtime game. Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell also scored 71 points in a game on Jan. Seven of them are Kobe Bryant (81); David Thompson (73); Lillard, Mitchell, Elgin Baylor and David Robinson (71); and Devin Booker (70). In all, there have been 21 games of 50 or more points this season. When someone scores 71 points in an N.B.A.

'I was like, 'Are y'all serious?'' Lillard said after the game.

Of course, Wilt Chamberlain owns the record for scoring 100 points on March 2, 1962. Lillard's 71 points came on 22-of-38 shooting and he connected on 13 of his 22 3-point attempts. But following the spectacular showing, Lillard was required to take a blood-drawn drug test by the [NBA](/nba/), and he let it be known that he wasn't happy about it. His 13 3-pointers were one shy of tying In addition, he tied "They know that I'm scared of needles.

The performance is the latest in a string of gems from the Blazers guard. He entered Sunday's game averaging 37.6 points in his past 18 games. Now, that total ...

That is the number of players in NBA history that have scored 70 points in a game. Many of Lillard's 3-pointers on the night came from well behind the line, including a stunning shot from the logo late in the first half. Lillard, now 32 years old, is the oldest player ever to score 70 points in an NBA game. By true shooting percentage, Lillard just had the most efficient game with at least 71 total points in NBA history. He was already the only player in NBA history to score 60 points and make at least 10 3's. Lillard began the stretch by scoring 50 points in a loss to the [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/CLE/cleveland-cavaliers/), and he reached 60 in a win over the [Utah Jazz](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/UTA/utah-jazz/) late in January. Lillard attempted a record-tying 3-pointer with 1:14 remaining in the fourth quarter, but missed. Lillard used his rest night as a launching pad for one of the greatest individual performances in [NBA](/nba/) history. He exited the game with 44.1 seconds remaining to a standing ovation from his fans in Portland. [Damian Lillard](/nba/players/1992810/damian-lillard/) became the eighth player in NBA history to top 70 points in a single game on Sunday when he dropped 71 in a 131-114 victory over the [Houston Rockets](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/HOU/houston-rockets/). A snowstorm in Portland kept the Blazers on the tarmac for seven hours Wednesday before they ultimately went home and traveled to Sacramento on Thursday. They now sit in 11th place in the Western Conference, but only three games behind the No.

Portland Trail Blazers star guard Damian Lillard received a drug test shortly after his historic 71-point game.

“They know that I'm scared of needles," Lillard said. “I was like, ‘Are y’all serious?’” Lillard said. When speaking to reporters afterward, the seven-time All-Star addressed the drug test and said it was the first time he had been tested immediately after a game.

Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard, 32, poured in 71 points Sunday against the Rockets, tied for eighth-most points in a single game in NBA history.

The only difference in protocol is that blood draws must take place after a game is played, if a player is selected for random testing on a day he is scheduled to play He made all 14 of his free-throw attempts. "It brought me down from here to the floor." Lillard made 22 of his 38 shot attempts Sunday night, including 13 of 22 from beyond the arc. "I mean, honestly, I was like, 'Are y'all serious?' " Lillard said Sunday during his post-game news conference. Lillard's previous career high was 61 points, which he had set twice.

He now has five 60-point games in his career, which trails only Kobe Bryant's six and Wilt Chamberlain's 61. Sunday's performance was the eighth-highest scoring ...

It was Dame time from the moment the ball was tipped between the Portland Trail Blazers and Houston Rockets on Sunday. Damian Lillard had a mind-bending 41…

The opportunity to see performances like this one keeps the Moda Center packed every night, as Lillard has been one of the lone bright spots during a difficult Blazers season. Albeit against the lowly Rockets, Lillard's performance is impressive regardless of opponent and has the potential to be historic depending on where he finishes. Damian Lillard had a mind-bending 41 points in the first half—in just 19 minutes—against Houston at the Moda Center, sending the crowd into a frenzy with each of his eight three-pointers as Portland cruised to a 73-58 halftime lead.

Lillard's 71 points ties Donovan Mitchell for the highest scoring output by any player in the NBA this season.

The Blazers improve to 28-31 with the win and are tied for 11th in the Western Conference with the By the fourth quarter, when he eclipsed the franchise mark of 61, the crowd was on its feet for every offensive possession. The urgency has to pick up. Lillard’s record-setting performance came one day after he told teammates the push for the playoffs started Sunday, imploring that “it has to happen now. But I feel like I got to do my best to be aggressive and just try to do what I can to make sure we get wins. [NBA](https://theathletic.com/nba/)history behind [Klay Thompson](https://theathletic.com/nba/player/klay-thompson-JyZHl24VVa8twrMw/)’s 14 in 2018.

The Blazers star set two franchise records on a historic night in Portland.

[February 27, 2023] He had 50 by the start of the fourth quarter. It was a career-high in a half for Lillard and the most points in a half for any player in the league this season. MVP!” Lillard broke his own franchise mark of 61 points, which he’d done twice, on a 3-pointer with 4:42 left that also topped his career record for 3s in a game with 11. Lillard tied Cleveland’s Donovan Mitchell for the most points in a game this season after Mitchell also scored 71 in a win over Chicago on Jan.

Can you help us send children in need to see the Blazers play the Sacramento Kings on Wednesday, March 29th? Every ticket you donate goes to someone who wouldn' ...

He went on to a career in media, acting, and coaching. He was named to the 1981 and 1983 All Star teams. A possession later, Lillard would break his career high with another three.

The Houston Rockets ended their five-game road trip in a 131-114 loss to the Trail Blazers, Damian Lillard scores a career-high 71 points.

1. Lillard is the only player in NBA history to score 70 points and make at least 10 3-pointers in a single game. · 6. Lillard now has the six-highest scoring ...

That is the number of players in NBA history that have scored 70 points in a game. Lillard, now 32 years old, is the oldest player ever to score 70 points in an NBA game. By true shooting percentage, Lillard just had the most efficient game with at least 71 total points in NBA history. He was already the only player in NBA history to score 60 points and make at least 10 3's. Lillard attempted a record-tying 3-pointer with 1:14 remaining in the fourth quarter, but missed. Lillard began the stretch by scoring 50 points in a loss to the [Cleveland Cavaliers](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/CLE/cleveland-cavaliers/), and he reached 60 in a win over the [Utah Jazz](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/UTA/utah-jazz/) late in January. The non-Lillard Blazers single-game scoring record is 54, set by Damon Stoudamire in 2005. Lillard used his rest night as a launching pad for one of the greatest individual performances in [NBA](/nba/) history. He exited the game with 44.1 seconds remaining to a standing ovation from his fans in Portland. [Damian Lillard](/nba/players/1992810/damian-lillard/) became the eighth player in NBA history to top 70 points in a single game on Sunday when he dropped 71 in a 131-114 victory over the [Houston Rockets](https://www.cbssports.com/nba/teams/HOU/houston-rockets/). A snowstorm in Portland kept the Blazers on the tarmac for seven hours Wednesday before they ultimately went home and traveled to Sacramento on Thursday. They now sit in 11th place in the Western Conference, but only three games behind the No.

Only Hall of Famers Wilt Chamberlain (five times, high of 100), Kobe Bryant (81) and David Thompson (73) have scored more points in an NBA game. “I feel like ...

Lillard scored 25 points in the second quarter when he knocked down five more 3-pointers. … It softened them up and I was able to get another run going again and it turned back into what it was in the first half.” Lillard then made two free throws with 5:48 left to reach his previous career high of 61, accomplished twice. The 13 treys tie for second in NBA history with Stephen Curry and Zach LaVine, one behind Klay Thompson’s NBA record. Lillard finished 22-of-38 shooting — making 13 of 22 from 3-point range — and hit all 14 free-throw attempts. Alperen Sengun had 17 points and 10 rebounds and Jae’Sean Tate also scored 17 points for Houston, which has lost nine straight games and 29 of its last 33. He exited with 44.5 seconds to go. After his big first half, Lillard said the Rockets “came out and gave me a lot of attention, and I just wanted to be patient. It marks the fifth time in his career that Lillard has reached the 60-point mark. Daishen Nix scored 16 points, Tari Eason had 15 points and 10 rebounds and Kenyon Martin Jr. “I feel like I got to be aggressive and try to do what I can to make sure we get some wins. I wanted to be in attack mode.

Trail Blazers hotshot Damian Lillard erupts for 71 points to surpass his own franchise record, knocking in 13 triples to also tie for second in the NBA.

Lillard scored 25 points in the second quarter when he knocked down five more three-pointers. It softened them up and I was able to get another run going again and it turned back into what it was in the first half.” Lillard then made two free throws with 5:48 left to reach his previous career high of 61, accomplished twice. After his big first half, Lillard said the Rockets “came out and gave me a lot of attention, and I just wanted to be patient. The 13 treys tie for second in NBA history with Stephen Curry and Zach LaVine, one behind Klay Thompson’s NBA record. It marks the fifth time in his career that Lillard has reached the 60-point mark.

Lillard's 13 3-pointers were one shy of the NBA record set by Golden State's Klay Thompson in 2018. Thompson's Warriors teammate Stephen Curry (2016) and ...

It was a career high in a half for Lillard and the most points in a half for any player in the league this season. Rockets: It was the third and final meeting between the teams this season. The Blazers had a 31-30 lead after one quarter, led by Lillard's 16. [Cleveland](https://www.spin.ph/tag/cleveland-cavaliers)'s [Donovan Mitchell](https://www.spin.ph/tag/donovan-mitchell) for the most points in a game this season after Mitchell also scored 71 in a win over Chicago on Jan. Grant's 3-pointer for Portland extended the margin to 108-98. Green missed his second game with a strained left groin. He had 50 by the start of the fourth quarter. Porter has been out 19 games because of a left foot contusion. Portland is part of a cluster of eight Western Conference just four wins apart that are vying for playoff spots. Lillard's 13 3-pointers were one shy of the NBA record set by Golden State's Klay Thompson in 2018. Wilt Chamberlain owns the league record with 100 for Philadelphia against New York on March 2, 1962, at Hershey, Pennsylvania. Lillard broke his own franchise mark of 61 points, which he'd done twice, on a 3-pointer with 4:42 left that also topped his career record for 3s in a game with 11.

Damian Lillard hit 13 3-pointers en route to a career-high and Trail Blazers record 71 points in a win over the Rockets on Sunday.

HeatBest and worst NBA Over/ Under and against the spread teams [Cleveland](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/cleveland-cavaliers-team)’s [Donovan Mitchell](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/donovan-mitchell-player) for the most points in a game this season after Mitchell also scored 71 in a win over [Chicago](https://www.foxsports.com/nba/chicago-bulls-team) on Jan. [Hawks reportedly offer Quin Snyder head coaching job](https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nba/quin-snyder-hawks-reportedly-progressing-in-talks-to-make-him-teams-next-coach) [Nets' Mikal Bridges names his favorite player growing up — Kevin Durant](https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nba/nets-mikal-bridges-names-his-favorite-player-growing-up-kevin-durant) [Westbrook, Embiid, AD among NBA stars 'under duress'](https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nba/westbrook-embiid-ad-among-nba-stars-under-duress) [The NBA's sneakiest skill? Lillard became the eighth player to score 70 points in an NBA regular-season game and the first over age 30 to do so. Kings, Clippers stun NBA with 2nd-highest scoring game everBucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo day-to-day after hurting knee vs. He participated in the NBA All-Star Game and won the 3-point contest the previous weekend. This was the second time he's eclipsed 60 points while making 10 3-pointers — a feat only he's accomplished. 1 draft pick or swap Justin Fields for Bryce Young?](https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/should-bears-trade-no-1-draft-pick-or-swap-justin-fields-for-bryce-young) [Pro Bowl Confidential: 27 players pick MVP, most underrated, coaches, other questions](https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/pro-bowl-confidential-27-players-pick-mvp-most-underrated-coaches-other-questions) [2023 NFL Draft prospect rankings: 64 best available players](https://www.foxsports.com/stories/nfl/2023-nfl-draft-prospect-rankings-top-64-best-available-players) [College football spring storylines: New coaches, QB battles, more to watch](https://www.foxsports.com/stories/college-football/college-football-spring-storylines-new-coaches-qb-battles-more-to-watch) [Shohei Ohtani sweepstakes: Ranking every MLB team's chances to sign him](https://www.foxsports.com/stories/mlb/shohei-ohtani-sweepstakes-ranking-every-mlb-teams-chances-to-sign-him) Lillard’s 13 3-pointers were one shy of the NBA record set by Golden State’s Klay Thompson in 2018. "I think any hooper enjoys those moments when you’re hot, you’re in attack mode, you’re feeling good," Lillard said. Lillard had 50 by the start of the fourth quarter. Lillard had 41 points and eight 3-pointers by halftime.

Damian Lillard set franchise and career highs with 71 points and 13 3-pointers in a 131-114 win over the Rockets.

[Golden State](/nba/team/_/name/gs/golden-state-warriors)'s [Klay Thompson](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/6475/klay-thompson) in 2018. He participated in the NBA All-Star Game and won the 3-point contest the previous weekend. [Cleveland](/nba/team/_/name/cle/cleveland-cavaliers)'s [Donovan Mitchell](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/3908809/donovan-mitchell) for the most points in a game this season after Mitchell also scored 71 in a win over Chicago on Jan. [Wilt Chamberlain](https://www.espn.com/nba/player/_/id/4142/wilt-chamberlain) owns the league record with 100 for Philadelphia against New York on March 2, 1962, in Hershey, Pennsylvania. It was a career high in a half for Lillard and the most points in a half for any player in the league this season. Portland is part of a cluster of eight Western Conference teams just four wins apart that are vying for playoff spots. "I think any hooper enjoys those moments when you're hot, you're in attack mode, you're feeling good," Lillard said. "I know I've got a lot of tattoos, but when you're doing a blood draw, it's different from tattoos. He had 50 by the start of the fourth quarter. Overall, Lillard was 22-of-38 from the floor and made all 14 of his free throw attempts. Lillard became the eighth different player to score 70 points in NBA history. That was incredible."

The Portland all-star guard matched Donovan Mitchell's mark earlier this season, setting a new career high and Trail Blazers franchise record in a 131-114 ...

I got it going and I just stayed aggressive.” Obviously being shorthanded, I know it’s going to be a team effort, but I’ve got to do my best to be aggressive and try to do what I can to get some wins. When they weren’t aggressive enough and they were scared of how quick he is getting to the basket, he got to his step-back. When they blitzed him and trapped him, he hit the guy in the pocket. He added six rebounds and six assists in 39 minutes, checking out to a standing ovation with just under a minute to play. I didn’t want to try to come out and get back on the heater. In the second half, they came out and gave me a lot of attention, and I just wanted to be patient. Intentionally or not, Lillard’s outburst came after mounting chatter in recent days that the Blazers might tank down the stretch in hopes of improving their lottery odds. Remarkably, Lillard now ranks third all-time with five 60-point efforts, trailing only Chamberlain (32) and Bryant (six). To put Lillard’s 71 points into perspective within Sunday’s contest, he single-handedly outscored all of his teammates combined (60) and Houston’s entire starting lineup (67). The young and overmatched Rockets, who were without starting guards Jalen Green and Kevin Porter Jr., rank 29th this season in defensive efficiency and have the NBA’s worst record at 13-47. [scoring 114.4 points per game](https://www.basketball-reference.com/leagues/NBA_stats_per_game.html), the highest average since 1969-70.

By using art as a metaphor, Trail Blazers' Damian Lillard went into detail on how he scored 71 points against the Houston Rockets Sunday night.

The NBA world was blown away by Damian Lillard dropping 71 points on Sunday, and that world reacts on social media, so we compiled the best of it.

The win moves the Hawks a game above .500 as the eighth seed in the East. Young should like Snyder’s system (once it gets installed fully next season), which will feature a lot more 3-pointers but also ball and player movement, not Young pounding the ball into the floor out top for 10 seconds. It will not be easy (ask the last two Hawks coaches), and Young has not always bought into the system those coaches have wanted him to play. With that big night, the Trail Blazers picked up a needed 131-114 victory over the Rockets. That is the Davis the Lakers got on Sunday (and have gotten recently) as he finished with 30 points, 15 rebounds and three blocked shots. We have to grow up if we want to win a championship.” When they needed stops against the Lakers, they couldn’t get them. For Dallas, this was a reminder of how far they have to go to live up to the promise of the Luka Dončić and That size has helped the Lakers’ defense and rebounding since the trade. Us as a team we have to mature… “This is not going to work without AD… [Anthony Davis](https://www.nbcsportsedge.com/basketball/nba/player/29801/anthony-davis) the Lakers must have to win

That fact can be measured based on true shooting percentage, an advanced metric that captures the efficiency of shots taken by a player while also accounting ...

Like a lot of us, Lillard doesn't like needles. "It was actually my first time of my career being tested after a game," he said. "And aside from that, ...

Have you any idea how hard it is to score 60 points in an NBA game? LeBron James, now officially the single greatest scorer in history, has only done it one ...

It's happening relatively quietly up in Portland, but the simple truth is that Damian Lillard is becoming one of the greatest players, and certainly one of the greatest scorers, this game has ever seen. If he were to play six more years, at just 60 games per season, at his career average of 25 points per game, which, if you look at his career marks, is actually conservative on all fronts, he would go down as the NBA's eighth all-time leading scorer, one spot ahead of Shaquille O'Neal. In terms of high-end ceiling, nobody has proven more explosive, and even from an average standpoint, he's up there with the best of the best over the last half-decade. [Stephen Curry's](/nba/players/1685204/stephen-curry/) career high is 62, short of Lillard,'s 71, and his 11 50-point games also trail Lillard's total, as do Kevin Durant's nine. He did it in just 39 minutes with a total shot distance of 420 feet, both unparalleled feats in [NBA](/nba/) history -- or in the case of the latter, since the start of the shot-location tracking era (1996-97). [James Harden](/nba/players/1685255/james-harden/), who has 23.