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Photo: Instagram/Damian Lillard Damian Lillard moved up the ranks in NBA history as the Milwaukee Bucks faced off against the Toronto Raptors on their home court in Wisconsin. Lillard, the All-Star point guard, made waves by surpassing Hall of Famer Michael Jordan to claim the 51st spot on the all-time assists list, with a total of 5,634 assists. Next up for Lillard to surpass is Chauncey Billups, who sits just ahead with 5,636 assists. Lillard's achievement comes after missing three previous games, making his return to the starting lineup all the more impactful. Photo: Instagram/Damian Lillard This season, Lillard is playing his first with the Milwaukee Bucks, boasting averages of 24.4 points, 4.4 rebounds, 7.1 assists, and 1.0 steals per game. He's been shooting 42.6% from the field and 35.8% from beyond the arc over the course of 68 games. Currently, the Bucks hold the second seed in the Eastern Conference, with a record of 47-29 in 76 games. However, they've faced a r...

Photo: Instagram/Damian Lillard During a heart-stopping showdown between the Dallas Mavericks and the Denver Nuggets on Sunday, NBA Champion Kyrie Irving stole the spotlight with a jaw-dropping buzzer-beater , securing a 107-105 victory for the Mavs. The miraculous shot prompted a social media frenzy, particularly from All-Star point guard Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks. Lillard took to Twitter shortly after the game, expressing his admiration for Irving's unmatched skill set with a succinct yet powerful message: "Kyrie the most skilled mf ever bra…" The post quickly garnered over 45,000 likes in less than two hours, highlighting the widespread recognition of Irving's talent across the league. Photo: Instagram/Damian Lillard Irving's stellar performance in the game showcased his versatility, tallying 24 points, seven rebounds, nine assists, three steals, and one block.  The former Duke star's remarkable career trajectory, spanning 13 seasons in the NB...

Photo: Instagram/Damian Lillard Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard showcased his scoring prowess, leading the East to a 211-186 victory over the West in the NBA All-Star Game and securing the Kia NBA All-Star Game MVP title. Lillard's remarkable performance included 39 points, 11 three-pointers (2 from half-court), six assists, three rebounds, and a steal. His standout shooting display set a new record with 42 total three-pointers, contributing to the East's historic win. Notably, Lillard became the first player since Michael Jordan in 1988 to claim two titles on back-to-back nights, adding the All-Star Game MVP to his second consecutive 3-point contest win . Photo: Instagram/Damian Lillard "I just know you’ve got to keep shooting the ball, and in a game like this, it’s going to be pretty loose, and you’re going to get your opportunities," said Lillard, reflecting on his aggressive and impactful approach. Lillard's Bucks teammate, Giannis Antetokounmpo , prais...

Photo: Instagram/Damian Lillard Damian Lillard cemented his status as the long-range sharpshooter to beat by securing his second consecutive NBA Three-Point Contest victory.  The night unfolded with high expectations for Hawks' point guard, Trae Young , who aimed to make history as the first member of the Atlanta Hawks to claim the coveted title. Facing formidable competition, including 2022 champion Karl-Anthony Towns , Malik Beasley , Lauri Markkanen , Donovan Mitchell , and Jalen Brunson , Young navigated through the rounds with flair. Photo: Instagram/Damian Lillard His initial round saw a spectacular performance, scoring 26 points and igniting hopes for a groundbreaking achievement. The competition intensified as players vied for a spot in the final round.  Lillard, unfazed by the pressure, showcased his championship mettle, forcing a four-way tie with Young, Towns, and Tyrese Haliburton . A tiebreaker ensued, compressing the time to 30 seconds, adding an extra layer of ...

Photo: Instagram/Damian Lillard On Wednesday evening, in a thrilling matchup, Damian Lillard left his mark on NBA history as the Milwaukee Bucks faced off against the Portland Trail Blazers in Oregon. This game marked Lillard's first return to Portland since his offseason trade to the Bucks after spending 11 seasons with the Trail Blazers. The All-Star point guard's historic moment came as he surpassed Mitch Richmond's all-time scoring record, securing the 47th spot with a total of 20,498 points. Photo: Instagram/Damian Lillard Lillard now sets his sights on surpassing LaMarcus Aldridge (20,558) in the next milestone on the scoring list. Lillard's individual achievements are complemented by his instrumental role in the Bucks' success this season. All love from Portland in Dame's return ⌚️❤️ pic.twitter.com/8Bob4HC5k9 — NBA TV (@NBATV) February 1, 2024 Currently holding the second seed in the Eastern Conference with an impressive 32-15 record in 47 games, th...

Photo: Instagram/Damian Lillard Damian Lillard has expressed his respect for Tyrese Haliburton's replication of his famous "Dame Time" celebration during the Pacers' recent victory over the Bucks. In response to a question about Haliburton's celebratory actions, Lillard, aged 33, acknowledged the move from Indiana's star point guard but issued a cautionary note about the importance of humility. Lillard, known for his own timely celebrations, emphasized that he couldn't be upset when someone else emulates him, seeing it as a sign of respect for his history and achievements. Photo: Instagram/Damian Lillard Speaking to Rob Lopez of FanDuel, Lillard stated, “I’ve also known that when you’re having your moment, it’s important to be careful and be humble... because you just never know how the table turns and when it’s gonna turn." Despite Haliburton's jab at him after draining a late three-pointer, Lillard remained composed, emphasizing the significanc...

Photo: Instagram/Damian Lillard According to The Athletic's Shams Charania, Damian Lillard has made it clear that he will only report to the training camp of either the Portland Trail Blazers or the Miami Heat this fall. This statement puts a damper on the hopes of other teams trying to acquire Lillard in a trade, as he's unwilling to join them for training camp. Charania stated, "At this point, I'm told the only two training camps that Damian Lillard would report to in theory — Portland and Miami." He also mentioned that Lillard's trade request would still stand if he were to be traded to a team like the Toronto Raptors or any other team outside of Portland and Miami. Photo: Instagram/Damian Lillard This news is disappointing for teams like the Toronto Raptors and the Boston Celtics, who were hoping to make a move for Lillard while trying to convince him to stay despite his expressed desire to play for the Miami Heat this season. Lillard's trade request...

Photo: Instagram/Noah Lyles After Team USA's unexpected loss at the FIBA World Cup, American track and field sensation  Noah Lyles  seems to be reveling in a bit of social media triumph. This comes shortly after a social media spat with NBA stars , including Kevin Durant and Damian Lillard, in which Lyles challenged the use of "world champions" for NBA titleholders. Lyles, renowned as the world's top-ranked 200m runner, wasted no time in revisiting this contentious topic in the wake of Team USA's surprising defeat against Germany, with a final score of 113–111. Photo: Instagram/Noah Lyles In a not-so-subtle reference on social media (formerly Twitter), Lyles seemed to savor the moment by subtly pointing out his earlier debated opinion. In an interesting twist, Lyles's social media activity included liking two memes that humorously poked fun at Team USA's loss. One of these memes portrayed Lyles as the Marvel villain Thanos, accompanied by the caption, ...

Photo: Instagram/Damian Lillard NBA star Damian Lillard , a devoted combat sports enthusiast, had the opportunity to meet the legendary boxer Manny Pacquiao at T-Mobile Arena during the Terence Crawford vs. Errol Spence Jr. fight . Lillard's excitement was palpable as he embraced one of his idols at the event. Known for his passion for boxing, the 33-year-old Trail Blazers guard often attends such events and shares his insights on results. On this occasion, Lillard praised Crawford for delivering an "all-time" performance. Before Crawford's TKO victory over Spence Jr. in the ninth round, Lillard warmly hugged and shook hands with Pacquiao, who appeared equally thrilled to meet him. Photo: Instagram/Damian Lillard Following the match, Lillard took to Twitter to express his astonishment at Crawford's three knockdowns and dominant display in the ring, hailing it as an exceptional performance. Beyond his love for combat sports, Damian Lillard's future in the NBA...

Photo: Instagram/Damian Lillard Speculation is swirling around a potential trade involving Damian Lillard , as rumors suggest that the Portland Trail Blazers star is only interested in joining the Miami Heat . However, this limited preference poses a challenge for the Trail Blazers, as it diminishes their leverage in trade negotiations. To their advantage, the Heat are reportedly exploring various trade scenarios that could see the Blazers acquiring multiple first-round draft picks. The unwavering stance of Lillard to exclusively pursue a move to Miami has created uncertainty regarding what the Blazers can secure in return. This has also deterred other interested teams, who fear being caught in a standoff if they manage to orchestrate a trade for Lillard. Photo: Instagram/Damian Lillard In an attempt to convince Portland to engage in a deal, the Heat are reportedly considering three or four-team trade arrangements, according to reputable NBA insider Shams Charania of The Athletic. Ch...

Photo: Instagram/Damian Lillard Damian Lillard , the all-time leading scorer for the Portland Trail Blazers , has expressed his desire to leave the team after spending his entire 11-year career with them. Lillard has been vocal about his ambition to contend for an NBA championship, and he believes that a change of scenery is necessary to fulfill that goal. According to sources familiar with the matter, Lillard has formally requested a trade from the Trail Blazers. While specific details have not been announced publicly, there is reported interest from teams such as the Miami Heat and the Brooklyn Nets in acquiring the seven-time All-Star. Although Lillard supposedly prefers a move to Miami, the Trail Blazers are not obligated to facilitate that particular trade. Photo: Instagram/Damian Lillard General Manager Joe Cronin stated that while the team had expressed their desire to keep Lillard, he had notified them of his wish to play elsewhere. The organization remains committed to their...

Photo: Instagram/Damian Lillard Damian Lillard , the franchise cornerstone of the Portland Trail Blazers , has expressed a desire for the team to target veteran help this offseason instead of focusing on young talent through the draft. This comes after the team failed to qualify for the play-in tournament for the second straight year, with Lillard stating that he wants a chance to go for it. While the team has a 10.5% chance of landing French phenom Victor Wembanyama with the fifth-best odds in next month's draft lottery, Lillard has made it clear that anything else won't be enough for him. Photo: Instagram/Damian Lillard According to The Athletic's Jason Quick, the Blazers will likely try to trade their first-round pick unless they get the No. 1 selection in the draft. Lillard's friendship with Jerami Grant played a role in the team's decision to trade for him last summer, and Lillard has indicated that he's talked to other players who have expressed a desire...

Photo: Instagram/Damian Lillard  Damian Lillard , who has spent his entire career with the Portland Trail Blazers , is concerned about the current state of basketball discourse. In an era where players are judged based on how many championships they have won, Lillard has made it clear that he values the journey and pursuit of winning. He believes that fans are condensing players into simple counts of how many rings they have won, rather than appreciating their entire careers. Photo: Instagram/Damian Lillard  During an appearance on JJ Redick 's Old Man and the Three podcast, Lillard expressed his worries about the NBA becoming a league that he no longer enjoys. He is a throwback player in a league that is no longer designed to accommodate players like him. Lillard is concerned about the league's fixation on winning championships at the expense of appreciating the journey and the regular season. The league and players' union are currently negotiating a new collective bargai...

Photo: Instagram/Ja Morant  Ja Morant 's controversial Instagram Live may cost him almost $39 million in potential earnings. According to ESPN 's Adrian Wojnarowski and Tim MacMahon , Morant has entered a counseling program in Florida following his suspension for brandishing a gun in a Colorado club earlier this month. There is no set timeline for his return to the court, and an extended absence could jeopardize his chances of making any of the three All-NBA teams this season. Photo: Instagram/Ja Morant  Morant, who signed a five-year max rookie extension with Memphis in the offseason, is guaranteed $194.3 million by Spotrac. However, if he makes any of the All-NBA teams this season, his contract value will increase to $233 million. Despite averaging 27.1 points, six rebounds, and 8.2 assists per game, Morant's current suspension and absence could hamper his chances of securing an All-NBA spot. Several guards, including Luka Doncic , Stephen Curry , and Damian Lillard , h...

Photo: Instagram/Damian Lillard  Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard scored a career-high 71 points in a game against the Houston Rockets on Sunday. However, after the game, he was subjected to his first postgame blood test of his 11-season career by the NBA, which left him feeling irritated. Lillard was already tested the day before through a urine sample. Photo: Instagram/Damian Lillard  The blood test was conducted as part of the league's drug testing policy, which mandates random testing for performance-enhancing drugs and other banned substances. Although Lillard understands the importance of these tests, he was still upset, especially since he's afraid of needles. Lillard stated that he was brought down from his high of the night after the blood draw. This season, this is not the first time a player has been drug tested after an impressive performance, as Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell was tested the day after scoring 70 points in January. However, th...

Photo: Instagram/Damian Lillard  On Sunday night, Damian Lillard set a career-high record by scoring 71 points in a game against the Houston Rockets, leading the Portland Trail Blazers to a 131-114 victory. In the first half, Lillard scored 41 points and made eight 3-pointers. He shot 22-of-38 from the field and made 13 3-pointers overall, setting a new franchise record. Photo: Instagram/Damian Lillard  Lillard now has five 60-point games in his career, putting him behind only Kobe Bryant and Wilt Chamberlain. At the age of 32, he is also the oldest player in NBA history to score 70 points in a game. In addition, he is the first player in NBA history to score at least 70 points in under 40 minutes of play. The third quarter saw Lillard score 50 points, but the Rockets managed to cut the lead to 14 points after trailing by as many as 23. Despite his efforts to break Klay Thompson's record of 14 3-pointers in a game, Lillard finished with 13 3-pointers, which is still a remarkab...

Photo: Instagram/Damian Lillard  Damian Lillard of the Portland Trail Blazers won the 3-Point Contest at the NBA All-Star Weekend in Utah. Lillard became the first Trail Blazers player in history to win the competition thanks to some impressive shooting over two rounds. He scored 26 points in the first round, wearing his old Weber State jersey, which helped him advance to the finals. Photo: Instagram/Damian Lillard  Lillard faced off against Tyrese Haliburton and Buddy Hield of the Indiana Pacers in the final round. To win, he needed to score 26 points, and he did so on the final shot. This was Lillard's third time competing in the event, and he is now retiring as a champion. Other players who did not make it past the first round include Jayson Tatum, Julius Randle, Kevin Huerter, Tyler Herro, and Lauri Markkanen. Lillard's victory cements his status as one of the best shooters in the league. After his win, Lillard expressed his relief at finally winning and said he wanted to...