Damian Lillard may have endured a difficult time in the playoffs this year but that certainly hasn't diminished what he did during the regular season.The point guard was far from his best as the Portland Trail Blazers were swept in the first round by the New Orleans Pelicans but he enjoyed arguably his best campaign prior to the postseason.He averaged 26.9 points, 4.5 rebounds, 6.6 assists, and 1.1 steals per game and led the Blazers to a third-place finish in the competitive Western Conference with a 49-33 record.This earned him one of the biggest individual honours in the league as he was named to the All-NBA First Team for the first time in his career.The 27-year-old was selected ahead of his more elite peers such as Stephen Curry, Russell Westbrook and Chris Paul.The All-Star carried the Blazers with some stunning displays in the final months of the season as he went on an offensive tear which saw the team rack up a 13-game winning streak.Lillard is Portland's go-to guy and was always able to produce big shots at crucial moments throughout the year.Even his fellow players have recognised his ability to step up in big situations and have honoured with another award.Dame Dolla was named as the winner of the National Basketball Players Association’s “Mr. Clutch” award.
The numbers certainly back up their decision to choose the Blazers star. In the regular season, during the final five minutes of games with a five-point difference or less, Lillard shot the ball at a 44 percent rate from the field and 36.4 percent from three-point range, via Clutchpoints.
Also, in 151 clutch minutes, the dynamic guard scored 127 points, which ranks him 10th in the NBA.
He was also able to hit a couple of huge game-winning baskets that enhanced his reputation as one of the best clutch players in the league.
It was early in the season, but this incredible shot to beat the Lakers was one of the best of the entire campaign:
Lillard also showed that he can switch it up and drive to the rim to get a layup in the closing seconds as he did against the Phoenix Suns:
The Oakland native frequently points to his wrist to indicate that it's his time when it comes to late game situations and it's clear that his peers also knew what time it was.
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