Damian Lillard’s [un]Forgettable Game 5 vs. Denver
Damian Lillard (0) sets Trailblazers’ playoff record for points scored with 55, all while setting an NBA playoff record for three-pointers made with 12 in Tuesday’s 147-140 double-OT loss to the Denver Nuggets. (via Denver Post)
As I’m writing this, I’m checking the time, and it’s 3:06 p.m. on Wednesday, June 2. It has been less than 24 hours since I witnessed one of the most incredible individual performances I have ever seen on an NBA court.
In fact, it’s been roughly 18 hours since I finished my mediocre homemade cocktail and powered down my YouTube TV. But somehow, it still feels like it’s Dame Time.
Damian Lillard accomplished something on Tuesday that has never been accomplished in NBA history. Lillard became the first player to record at least 50 points, 10 assists and 10 three-pointers made in a single game. Overall, Lillard finished with 55 points (17-24 FG, 12-17 3PT, 9-10 FT), 10 assists, six rebounds, three blocks and one steal over 51 minutes on Tuesday against the Denver Nuggets. Lillard’s 55 points set a new Blazers’ playoff record, and his 12 three-pointers are the most ever made in an NBA playoff game. To top it off, Lillard surrendered just one turnover — one!
Sadly, despite having one of the most dominant performances I have ever seen, Lillard’s historic night means absolutely nothing. To be clear, those aren’t my words — Lillard said it himself during his postgame press conference:
“Doesn’t matter,” said Lillard. “We lost the game. I mean, at this point, all that matters is that we can’t lose another game in this series.”
Damian Lillard (0) spots up for one of his record-breaking 12 three-pointers made in Tuesday’s loss to the Nuggets. (via Getty Images)
I forget which daytime ESPN show I was watching today (Pardon the Interruption? Around the Horn? They all start to blend together after a while), but one of the contributors said something that stuck out to me: Lillard’s performance on Tuesday will largely be forgotten within the larger consciousness of NBA fandom.
Don’t believe me? I’ll show you.
Do you remember when Ray Allen dropped 51 points, including nine three-pointers, in a triple-overtime loss in Game 6 against the Bulls in the first round of the 2009 playoffs? If you’re a true NBA fan, you’re likely saying something like, “Oh yeah! That was insane! I remember that!” But it’s not likely the performance that comes to mind when you think of Ray Allen. Although it was one of his best games, it has largely been forgotten, as the Celtics came up short.
What about when Michael Jordan dropped 63 points in a loss to the Boston Celtics in 1986, a performance that Larry Bird described as “God disguised as Michael Jordan”? If I’m being honest, I forgot about this performance until the release of The Last Dance documentary last year and now that ESPN talking heads won’t stop talking about it because of Lillard’s performance in Tuesday’s loss. With Jordan, we remember the Flu Game in 1997, his six championships, his five MVP awards and other incredible feats. But something that Jordan fans rarely talk about is his 63-point effort in a loss to Boston.
Oh, and who can forget LeBron James’ 51-8-8 performance during Game 1 of the 2018 NBA Finals? Well, we all can. Because what we remember is the infamous J.R. Smith moment that basically spelled the beginning of the end for the 2018 Cavs. Smith’s blunder led to a Game 1 loss, and one of LeBron’s best performances has largely been forgotten.
What’s upsetting is that I’d like to think that such performances shouldn’t get swept under the rug just because they happened to come during a loss. But I think it’s inevitable. I think fans are unwilling to reward losing efforts.
I don’t think we like the idea of giving participation trophies to millionaires who are doing their jobs, even when they’re excelling.
Regardless, I’d like to think that this can change, and we can reward any and all eye-boggling performances — even if the reward is merely keeping the moment alive.
When we reflect on the 2021 playoffs, like all other playoffs, we will remember the brightest stars shining in the brightest moments, shifting the fortunes of their franchise with one game, one play, one shot. But, another thing is likely to happen — Lillard’s immaculate Game 5 performance against the Nuggets will largely go forgotten, like the many other immaculate performances of the past.
