Damian Lillard's Historic Performance

Our article provides comprehensive information about Damian Lillard's historic performance and puts it in context with other great individual performances in NBA history.

Damian Lillard's Historic Performance

Damian Lillard's 71-point game against the Golden State Warriors on January 20, 2022, was not only a career-high for the Portland Trail Blazers superstar, but it also made him just the sixth player in NBA history to score 70 or more points in a game. Lillard was on fire from beyond the arc, making 13 three-pointers, which tied an NBA record for the most threes in a single game. The 31-year-old point guard also added six rebounds, two assists, and one steal in the game.

Lillard's 71-point outburst was a thing of beauty, as he showcased his incredible shooting range, scoring from all over the court, and doing so efficiently. He shot 23-of-43 from the field, including 13-of-20 from three-point range, and 12-of-12 from the free-throw line. Lillard's performance was even more impressive considering he did it without his superstar teammate, CJ McCollum, who was out with an injury.

How Damian Lillard's Performance Ranks in NBA History

Lillard's 71-point game was undoubtedly one of the best individual performances in NBA history. But where does it rank among other great-scoring outbursts? Let's take a look at some of the most memorable 70-point games in NBA history.

Wilt Chamberlain is the only player in NBA history to score 100 points in a game. He did so on March 2, 1962, in a game between the Philadelphia Warriors and the New York Knicks. Chamberlain's performance was so dominant that it has stood the test of time and remains the gold standard for individual scoring outbursts.

Kobe Bryant is the player closest to Chamberlain's record, scoring 81 points in a game against the Toronto Raptors in 2006. Bryant's performance was memorable not just for the sheer number of points but also because of the way he scored them, hitting tough shots and carrying his team to victory.

Other notable 70-point games in NBA history include David Thompson's 73-point game in 1978, Devin Booker's 70-point game in 2017, and Elgin Baylor's 71-point game in 1960.

Conclusion

Damian Lillard's 71-point game against the Golden State Warriors was a historic performance that will go down in NBA history. Lillard's incredible shooting display and overall efficiency make it one of the best individual scoring outbursts in NBA history. While it may not quite reach the level of Chamberlain's 100-point game, it is certainly among the most memorable and impressive scoring performances in NBA history.