Following Giannis Antetokounmpo’s ejection on the 8th of November, NBA veteran Damian Lillard remained towering as he helped the Milwaukee Bucks defeat the Detroit Pistons 120–118 at home. This was somewhat of a Dame masterclass as fans call it.
Not only that, he also made history by entering into a historical list of names. In the fourth quarter, Damian Lillard scored his 16th career 18+ point game, which is the third-highest total in the play-by-play period (since 1997–98). Kobe Bryant (24 games) and LeBron James (22 games) are the only players with more.
Damian Lillard recorded his 16th career 18+ point 4th quarter, the 3rd most in the play-by-play era (since 1997-98).
Only LeBron James (22 games) and Kobe Bryant (24 games) have more. https://t.co/LhLDNv38sk
— NBA History (@NBAHistory) November 9, 2023
This is a huge feat for any player and for Dame’s name to be there, it just speaks about how special of a player he is. However, the Milwaukee Bucks are now favorites to win the championship after acquiring Damian Lillard in a trade deal just a few weeks before, although it will take the All-Star guard some time to settle in with his new squad.
With 40.0 percent from the floor and 29.3 percent from three’s, Lillard is averaging 24.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 4.7 assists per game according to StatMuse. It remains to be seen how Damian performs over the season as a lot is expected from him by the fans of the NBA.
Damian Lillard’s outstanding performance ensures the Bucks’ victory against the Pistons
Players like Damian Lillard are one of a kind and are made for big game moments or clutch moments in the NBA. Dame did exactly that against the Detroit Pistons when they were in a losing position. He put in a monstrous performance and led his team to an eventful victory.
Damian Lillard, Milwaukee Buck.
34 PTS | 2 REB | 3 AST | 3 STL pic.twitter.com/Y6hrcJuFYf
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) November 9, 2023
After the game, Lillard was ecstatic and he reflected by saying, “I think it was a character-building win. When you are down your best player, in that type of moment where you get a technical foul and then you get another technical foul, and it was their ball. When it rains, it pours,” Damian Lillard told HoopsHype.
He further added, “We had techs, they ball, they had momentum, they were confident in making shots, and even though we had the lead, the game was changing, and we know in this league leads go away quick, with the pace of the game how many threes they got.”
Damian Lillard tonight:
34 points
10-25 FGM
2-12 3PMGot the job done. pic.twitter.com/OlUAqBNcys
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) November 9, 2023
These type of games is what Dame lives for and has made his name in the NBA. Especially with an uncertain situation where Giannis got ejected and Khris Middleton was also out due to right knee management, making it an odd game for the Bucks.
Milwaukee is now 5-2 in the East, one game behind leaders Philadelphia 76ers (6-1) and on a three-game winning run. It remains to be seen how their season unfolds with such star names in the team and with Dame hitting the ground up and running, it is going to be one hell of a season for the Bucks.