Only two people have more 60+-point NBA games than Damian Lillard: Kobe Bryant (6) and Wilt Chamberlain (32... that man warped record books).
Lillard joined Michael Jordan and James Harden with four in his career — and he moved into sixth all-time in 50+ point games — by dropping 60 on the Jazz on Wednesday, and he did it on 21-of-29 shooting (72.4%). That includes a couple of free throws to both get to 60 and put the final nail in the coffin.
DAMIAN. LILLARD.
— NBA (@NBA) January 26, 2023
60 points
7 rebounds
8 assists
9 threes
21/29 FG (72.4%) pic.twitter.com/NoTJstv2XG
Lillard’s outing impressed another guy who knows how to put up points, Devin Booker.
Damn dame
— Book (@DevinBook) January 26, 2023
Lillard’s insane numbers had Portland leading the entire second half, often by double digits, but the Jazz never went away, but in the end fell 134-124. Lauri Markkanen led seven Jazz players in double figures with 24.
In a West where three games now separate the No. 4 and 13 seeds — the difference between hosting a playoff round or missing the postseason entirely — wins like this matter. And with this Blazers’ roster, it will take more big nights from Lillard to get Portland there.