Top Ad
I DIG Radio
www.idigradio.com
Listen live to the best music from around the world!
I DIG Style
www.idigstyle.com
Learn about the latest fashion styles and more...

Lillard adds to historic run with 51-point night

Written by 
Published in Basketball
Saturday, 01 February 2020 23:52

PORTLAND, Ore. -- Portland Trail Blazers All-Star Damian Lillard continued his historic streak of dominant play Saturday with his third 50-point performance in his past six games as the Blazers defeated the visiting Utah Jazz 124-107 to win their fourth consecutive game.

According to Elias Sports Bureau research, Lillard is the first player in NBA history to average better than 45 points and 10 assists over a six-game span. He has gone for at least 47 points in five of the six games, and had his first career triple-double (36 points, 11 assists, 10 rebounds) in the other one.

"I don't think we've ever seen anything like this," teammate Carmelo Anthony said. "We've seen great basketball, we've seen guys score the basketball in different fashions, but what he's doing, we haven't seen that in a long time.

"I'm just happy to be a part of it, be a fan of it."

Lillard's streak, which started with a career-high and franchise-record 61 points on Jan. 20 against the Golden State Warriors, has also been record-setting from beyond the arc. With nine more 3-pointers Saturday, his total of 49 surpassed Stephen Curry (46 in January 2019) for the most in NBA history over a six-game span.

While most of the attention has gone to Lillard's scoring -- his 293 points over the past six games is tied with Kobe Bryant (in March 2007) for third most over such a span behind a pair of overlapping streaks by James Harden last January -- his playmaking has also been crucial to Portland's success as opponents send traps and double-teams in Lillard's direction to try to take the ball out of his hands.

"Teams are trying to get more aggressive and make it harder for me," he said. "I'm just making the plays that I see. When I see them being aggressive, I'm not backing out. I'm going to continue being aggressive against it instead of just giving in to it. Cause a reaction -- pick out the helpside defenders and guys that are pulling over and trying to crowd the paint. Just moving the ball to where the help is coming from. Guys are making shots and making the right plays. It's pretty simple."

Half of Lillard's 12 assists Saturday -- against only one turnover -- went to center Hassan Whiteside, who had 17 points on 7-of-10 shooting and 21 rebounds while battling two-time reigning Defensive Player of the Year Rudy Gobert. By virtue of setting up four 3-pointers, Lillard created 28 points via assists to go with the 51 he scored.

All four of the Blazers' victories during their current streak have come against opponents with above-.500 records, nearly matching their previous total of five such wins this season. As a result, Portland has moved into a tie with the San Antonio Spurs for ninth in the Western Conference, a game and a half behind the Memphis Grizzlies for the eighth and final playoff spot.

"It's a good feeling," Lillard said. "We're coming together. I think that's the best way to describe it. Getting healthier, starting to figure out what works for us. Trevor [Ariza] has made a huge difference for our team on both ends.

"We've been able to just keep working, keep our heads down, and I think it's just starting to show. We've been able to make it come together and keep doing it over and over against good teams."

Read 274 times

Soccer

Germany name uncapped trio amid keeper shortage

Germany name uncapped trio amid keeper shortage

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsGermany have selected three goalkeepers who are yet to make a senio...

Endrick shrugs off critics: 'That's what football is'

Endrick shrugs off critics: 'That's what football is'

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsReal Madrid forward Endrick has revealed he isn't affected by outsi...

Biggest takeaways, predicted XI from Pochettino's first USMNT roster

Biggest takeaways, predicted XI from Pochettino's first USMNT roster

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsSo begins the Mauricio Pochettino era.On Wednesday, the new U.S. me...

2026 FIFA


2028 LOS ANGELES OLYMPIC

UEFA

2024 PARIS OLYMPIC


Basketball

Conspirator in Porter betting plot pleads guilty

Conspirator in Porter betting plot pleads guilty

EmailPrintA Brooklyn man pleaded guilty Wednesday in connection to the sports betting scheme involvi...

Grizzlies' J. Jackson has low-grade hamstring strain

Grizzlies' J. Jackson has low-grade hamstring strain

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsNASHVILLE, Tenn. -- An MRI on Memphis Grizzlies power forward/cente...

Baseball

Brewers rally in 8th, tie up series against Mets

Brewers rally in 8th, tie up series against Mets

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsMILWAUKEE -- Jackson Chourio tied the game in the eighth with his s...

Padres finish off Braves as Dodgers await in NLDS

Padres finish off Braves as Dodgers await in NLDS

EmailPrintOpen Extended ReactionsSAN DIEGO -- Kyle Higashioka's solo homer started a five-run rally...

Sports Leagues

  • FIFA

    Fédération Internationale de Football Association
  • NBA

    National Basketball Association
  • ATP

    Association of Tennis Professionals
  • MLB

    Major League Baseball
  • ITTF

    International Table Tennis Federation
  • NFL

    Nactional Football Leagues
  • FISB

    Federation Internationale de Speedball

About Us

I Dig® is a leading global brand that makes it more enjoyable to surf the internet, conduct transactions and access, share, and create information.  Today I Dig® attracts millions of users every month.r

 

Phone: (800) 737. 6040
Fax: (800) 825 5558
Website: www.idig.com
Email: This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it.

Affiliated