Since the All-Star break, Damian Lillard has been on a tear for the Portland Trail Blazers and it has seen them go on an eight-game winning streak and climb to third in the Western Conference.Their latest victory came against the New York Knicks as Lillard poured in 37 points in a dominant 111-87 triumph at home.This was the sixth time in the last 10 games that the point guard has scored 35 or more points.After he drained six three-pointers against the Los Angeles Lakers on Monday night - with four in the fourth quarter - the 27-year-old kept the hot hand against the Knicks as he had eight makes from downtown in 11 attempts.In February, the three-time All-Star averaged 31.4 points on 48.1 percent shooting and 35.6 from beyond the arc.He has started this month in the same fashion as he's posting 32.8 points on 43.4 percent shooting and 47.6 from three-point territory.'Dame Dolla' is producing arguably the best basketball of his career and has put the Blazers on his back.

Inevitably, there are now calls for Lillard to be in the MVP consideration this season and having watched him outclass his team, Knicks head coach Jeff Hornacek believes it's time to put him in that bracket.

"The guy is playing fantastic. He might be one of those guys you've got to start talking about that MVP too with the way he's playing," he said, per USA Today.

At times when he got to the free-throw line, the Portland superstar was showered with chants of "MVP! MVP!" from his adoring fans inside the Moda Center.

After the game, Lillard said he believes he's worthy of winning the award one day.

"I said after I won Rookie of the Year, I said I think I can be MVP in this league," he said. "Being in the discussion, it's an honour to be mentioned, but I don't look at that and think, 'Oh they mentioned me in the MVP discussion.' I feel that's the level of player I can be."

The Oakland native also agreed that this is his best season. He's averaging 26.8 points - just short of his career-high of 27 - but his confidence and ability to dominate games have seen him take his game to another level this year.

"Damian Lillard is special. If it's not obvious, I'll say it," Blazers head coach Terry Stotts said.

The Oregon-based franchise is 39-26 and looks certain to claim a playoff spot in a hugely competitive conference. With Lillard playing at an MVP level, they could potentially cause real problems in the postseason.