PORTLAND, OREGON - FEBRUARY 08: Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers looks on before the game against the Orlando Magic at Moda Center on February 08, 2022 in Portland, Oregon. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)
Who did Damian Lillard get past to become Portland Trail Blazer’s all-time top scorer?
Damian Lillard has edged 19th of December as one of the most historic dates in his NBA career. Although, the Portland Trail Blazers lost their game 123-121 against the Oklahoma City Thunders, Lillard gave them something to smile about. He is now the all-time leading scorer for Portland.
Prior to Damian, Hall of Famer Clyde Drexler recorded 18,040 points in 867 games wearing the Portland jersey. ‘Clyde the Glide’ played 15 seasons in the NBA, 12 of them with the Portland Trail Blazers and the end-of-career seasons with Houston Rockets. The 32-year-old point guard, Lillard needed just 21 points before the start of the game against Oklahoma.
Damian Lillard scored 28 points in the game alongside 3 rebounds and 6 assists, he now ranks 77th overall in the all-time NBA scoring list with a total of 18,048 points. It took Damian only 730 games to outscore Drexler’s record.
“It’s a great feeling to reach the top,” Damian Lillard expressed after he unlocked the achievement. “It’s been a goal of mine, and the list has so many players, great history of our organization, so to finally be No. 1 is a special accomplishment that I’m proud of.”
Damian Lillard was earlier questioned about him nearing the record before the Blazers started their six away games trip. He told The Athletics’ Jason Quick that he really wished the record game was at home, he added, “It’s something that our fans deserve to be a part of, because they’ve been here, they’ve seen it happen every step of the way, from my first game to that moment”
Jusuf Nurkic was ruled out of the line-up due to his calf injury, but even he conveyed a message after Damian Lillard’s achievement. He meant no disrespect for Clyde Drexler but revealed that for him Damian the greatest ever player to put on the Trail Blazers jersey.
Trail Blazers lost their game against Oklahoma after Shai Gilgeous-Alexander knocked down a baseline jumper to end the game in favor of the Thunders. The buzzer-beater indeed spoiled the Damian Lillard celebrations.
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