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Blazers’ Damian Lillard Joins Exclusive Club with LeBron James and Larry Bird in Historic Achievement

Published 03/16/2021, 11:44 PM EDT

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USA Today via Reuters

The Portland Trail Blazers are in a strong playoff spot currently in the tough Western Conference. Despite the early injury to CJ McCollum, Damian Lillard has kept them in the hunt with his MVP form.

He has broken a few records with his amazing performances, and today he hit another. The Blazers star reached 16,000 points and 4000 assists tonight, in just his ninth season in the league. Oscar Robertson, Larry Bird, and LeBron James are the only players in NBA history to have also achieved this feat.

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None of the other three legendary players need an introduction, and to be included in a group among them is an elite achievement. Since he entered the league in 2012, Lillard has been a superb scorer. But that often shadows his playmaking ability, but this record highlights both of his skills.

Damian Lillard: One of the most consistent players in the league

Having the second-best player on the team missing is a tough task, especially when you play in the West. But Lillard has consistently stepped up for the team and kept them in contention. He is currently averaging 29.9 points and 7.9 assists per game this season, which are MVP caliber numbers.

Along with his consistency, Lillard is also arguably the most clutch player in the league. When the game goes into the final minute, opposition players know it is Dame Time. Since his debut in 2012, no other player has hit more go-ahead shots in the final 20 seconds of a game than him. He has 29 so far, which is an unbelievable feat.

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When it’s late in the game, the Blazers’ players know it is time to give the ball to Lillard and watch him go to work.

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‘Hold You Hostage’: Blazers’ Damian Lillard Reveals What Keeps Him from Changing Teams

Can Lillard and McCollum help the Blazers climb the standings?

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Currently, the Blazers sit in the sixth spot. They are just .5 games away from taking over the Nuggets who hold the fifth spot. The top four slots look to be locked in with the Jazz, Suns, Lakers, and the Clippers. The Blazers will hope to spoil their party and steal a spot. They barely managed to enter the playoffs last season and are doing their best to earn a top spot this time.

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Written by:

Aaron Mathew

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Aaron Mathew is a sports analyst at EssentiallySports. A graduate in Mass Media from Xavier’s College, Aaron has been a part of EssentiallySports since May 2020 where he covers both NBA and NCAA basketball news, and has also covered NBA 2K. In the past, Aaron has worked at the Sports Desk of Mumbai Mirror.
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