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Record Shattering Night Turns to Heart Break at the Buzzer for Damian Lillard as $180 Million NBA Star Proves Having Ice in His Veins

Published 12/19/2022, 11:50 PM EST

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USA Today via Reuters

The Oklahoma City Thunder (13-18) played against the Portland Trail Blazers (17-14) tonight at the Paycom Center. Both the teams put up a good fight, and the verdict was literally down to the last second. Despite Damian Lillard making history, it was a $180 million NBA star who proved his mettle at buzzer-beater.

OKC’s point guard, Shai Gilgeous-Alexander or SGA, wielded his magic to seal the deal for his team. He dribbled the ball and took a baseline shot with 0.2 seconds left on the clock. He made the basket and the crowd roared. The final tally was 123-121. He finished the game with 35 points and 2 rebounds.

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Damian Lillard made Blazers history

Damian Lillard or Dame as he is popularly known has touched a basketball milestone within his franchise. He became the all-time leading scorer in the history of the Portland Trail Blazers. He surpassed another Blazer legend, Clyde Drexler, in total points with a colossal 18,048. Drexler was at 18, 040.

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Tonight, he finished the game with 28 points and 3 rebounds.

USA Today via Reuters

Damian Lillard recently spoke about being the second-best shooter in the league today. He was convinced that his stats and his ability to take calls and shoot the balls should make a case for him.

SGA pulls off a game-winner

Dame’s only celebration tonight would be his record-breaking milestone. The Blazers lost to the Thunder, thanks to SGA. He is a first-time All-Star candidate who has been averaging 31.2 points and 4.7 rebounds.

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Reports claim that such a performance would propel his stance in the 2023 NBA All-Star game. His movements just before the shot were a masterclass with him getting Justise Winslow, off balance. This created space to aim for the basket.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander defended his home court after missing a game due to a back injury. He was actually listed as “questionable” prior to the game. He is considered to be the team’s best player.

Watch This Story: Highest Scoring Games by a Player in Grizzlies History After Ja Morant’s Epic 49-Point Performance

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Both teams will play again on Wednesday in Oklahoma City itself.

Will Shai do a repeat of tonight then?

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Written by:

Rekha Joly

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Rekha Joly is an NBA writer for EssentiallySports. She earned a triple major in English, Journalism, and Psychology from St. Joseph's College, Bangalore.
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Edited by:

Gideon Mathson