----- Damian Lillard scores a career-high and franchise-record 61 points as the Portland Trail Blazers defeat the Golden State Warriors 129-124 in overtime Monday night at Moda Center in Portland, Oregon.
With just seconds remaining on the clock late in overtime on Monday night, the Moda Center crowd rained down chants of "MVP, MVP, MVP!"
Damian Lillard made two free throws with 4.6 seconds remaining in overtime to seal the Blazers 129-124 win over the Golden State Warriors Monday night at Moda Center, and by doing so scored a career-high and franchise-record 61 points.
Lillard scored 47% of the team's points, set a career-high with 11 made three-pointers, and became only the sixth player in NBA history with multiple 60-point games. He also added 10 rebounds and seven assists and connected on all 16 of his free throws.
This was Lillard's second 60-point game of the season after scoring 60 against the Brooklyn Nets earlier this season.
"You kind of run out of adjectives for Damian and his performance," Coach Terry Stotts said. "The way he carried the team, not just on the court but in the huddles, timeouts, halftime. His leadership was great and like I said, you run out of adjectives. He's an amazing player."
Lillard did not shy away from how well he played when asked about his performance.
"It's one of the best of my career... one of my better performances in a game we needed to win," he said, "I think that's just what it is. We needed a win tonight. A great performance. I'm excited about it. I'm happy about it, but I wish it counted for three wins instead of one."
Lillard made a three-pointer with 15.3 seconds in regulation to even the game at 113-113 forcing overtime. In the extra period, Lillard tied the game with 58.3 seconds remaining on a 26-foot three-pointer setting up the Blazers 8-3 run to closeout the game.
Hassan Whiteside added 17 points and 21 rebounds, Anfernee Simons scored 15, and Gary Trent Jr. added 11 points off the bench.
The Trail Blazers had nine players available for the game with CJ McCollum out due to a sprained left ankle and Moses Brown being called up from the G League.
Anthony Tolliver and Kent Bazemore were not with the team due to a trade with the Sacramento Kings on Saturday that is expected to be finalized Tuesday.
Notes- Under Terry Stotts, the Trail Blazers don't give out game balls after big moments or special wins, but tonight he broke tradition. Damian Lillard was given the game ball after his record-setting night.
Up Next- The Trail Blazers will host the Dallas Mavericks Thursday night at Moda Center. The game is scheduled to tip off at 7:30 PM.
Chad's Take- Damian Lillard is giving everything he's got during a lost season. Nothing but respect for Dame.