In the dramatic tale of the NBA, game-winners give a savory twist. To make the game-winning shot needs a lot of nerves at the pro level. Whether it be a Regular Season game, a Summer League, a Preseason game, or the Playoffs, watching a game-winner is a riveting affair. As the player hits the game-winning shot, diverse celebrations are brought out. Damian Lillard has been delivering such moments for around a decade now.

In one such instance, an up-and-coming NBA player brought out his ironic celebration. 

Damian Lillard’s Dame Wave: Unlocked

Playing for the Rockets last season as a rookie, Jabari Smith Jr turned heads with his ability to switch on defense. However, his offensive game was touch-and-go. But he stamped his presence after hitting the game-winner against the Trail Blazers. With 0.6 seconds left, he heaved the ball from way behind the arc.

This paved the way for a big celebration from his teammates. Tari Eason brought out the Dame Wave celebration ironically, against the team which was Lillard’s hunting ground for a decade. Eason will enter his sophomore year and was impressive in reading defensive lanes off the bench last season.

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The “Dame Wave” stems from Damian Lillard waving goodbye to Russell Westbrook and Paul George in 2019. It was Game 5 of the First Round of the Western Conference, the score was tied at 115 apiece. With two seconds, the amazing sharpshooter took a mind-boggling 37-footer and buried the three to win the game. Then he unlocked the “Dame Wave”, telling the Westbrook-led Oklahoma City Thunder that their season is done. 

Read more: Despite Lingering Heat Rumors, $225 Million Star Damian Lillard Wanted Stephen Curry Team Up Chance, if Not for $100,000,000 Warriors Move

DAME DOLLA hitting a game-winner has been a well-documented lore. Apart from that cold-blooded shot against the Thunder, he had a historic moment in 2014. It was the West First Round series against the Rockets. Portland had a 3-2 lead and was down 96-98 with 0.9 left. Working off the ball in a sideline inbound situation, Lillard caught the ball and instantly got it off to hit the game-winner.

Mike Tirico’s call, “It’s Lillard, he got the shot off, Lillard got it, got it, and the Blazers win the series for the first time in fourteen years” is one of the most historic calls in the league’s history.

Will the budding Rockets have more of Damian Lillard and his epicness?

While Jabari Smith Jr’s game-winner and Eason’s Dame Wave celebration are big fun. This is just Summer League. Their mettle will be tested when the Regular Season rolls in. Jabari has to work a lot on his offensive game while Eason will hope to further seal the regular spot off the bench. The Rockets have been among the worst teams since James Harden left.

As Lillard looks for a move to the Eastern Conference, Smith’s Rockets have grabbed Fred Van Vleet from the East. The Guard who signed a $140 million deal for three years can also make such astounding buckets.

Will the Rockets have more such Dame Wave sort of celebrations soon? Do share in the comments below. 

Watch this story: Where Will Damian Lillard Go?