Damian Lillard on surpassing 33-year-old record for Portland Trail Blazers: “It means something to me in my heart”
Damian Lillard continues to be the face of the Portland Trail Blazers franchise. After Monday night's game against the OKC Thunder, he has his name etched in history.
During the 123-121 loss, Lillard became the franchise's all-time leading scorer. The record was held by guard Clyde Drexler, who is a member of the Naismith Memorial Basketball Hall of Fame.
Drexler played 867 games for the Trail Blazers from 1983-95. Lillard needed 21 points to move ahead of Drexler and finished with 28, giving him 18,048 in 11 seasons. Drexler had 18,040 points in 12 seasons in Portland (and then another 4,155 in four seasons with the Houston Rockets).
“It means something to me in my heart," Lillard said. "To have something in the history books and record books, it will mean something.”
Lillard signed a two-year contract extension in July, keeping him under contract through the 2026-27 season. Portland drafted him with the No. 6 pick in 2012. (Drexler was the No. 14 pick in 1983.)
“When you understand where he is from, and the work ethic he has, it’s no surprise that he gets even better as he matures and develops and establishes his legacy here in Portland,” Denver coach Michael Malone.
On Damian Lillard passing Clyde Drexler: theathletic.com/4020157/2022/1…
Damian Lillard and Portland Trail Blazers look to build off surprising start
Heading into the 2022-23 NBA season, many expected the Portland Trail Blazers to be a rebuilding team. Portland finishing 27-55 last season as Lillard, who had abdominal surgery, played just 29 games and the team traded CJ McCollum in February.
The expectations were low for the Trail Blazers, even with superstar guard Damian Lillard running the show. But then the Portland front office went to work in the offseason. After bringing in a number of intriguing additions, the Trial Blazers have become a scrappy squad.
Portland (17-14), in seventh place in the Western Conference standings, has won four of its last six games. And what's been even more impressive is the balance of the team.
The Thunder fans gave Damian Lillard a standing ovation after he passed Clyde Drexler for the Blazers’ all-time scoring leader 👏
https://t.co/4mHuF2wOVx
Damian Lillard continues to be an offensive force, averaging 28.3 points, 3.8 rebounds and 7.0 assists per game this season. He's shooting 45.5%, including a career-best 40.4% from 3-point range (after a career-worst 32.4% last season).
He hasn't been alone, as Portland's roster has come together quickly. Fellow backcourt mate Anfernee Simons, in his fifth season, is enjoying a breakout year, averaging 23.2 ppg. Portland has also received outstanding play from veteran players such as Jerami Grant (acquired in the offseason), Jusuf Nurkic and Josh Hart (acquired in the McCollum deal).
Plus, rookie Shaedon Sharpe, the No. 7 pick in June's draft, has had his moments. The raw 19-year-old has played in 30 games, averaging 8.1 ppg and 2.6 rpg and displaying jaw-dropping athleticism on occasion.