WATCH: Damian Lillard goes berserk with 71 points in less than 40 minutes to create NBA record

Damian Lillard went haywire in a staggering 71-point performance against the Houston Rockets.

WATCH: Damian Lillard goes berserk with 71 points in less than 40 minutes to create NBA record

Damian Lillard (Photo by Sam Forencich/NBAE via Getty Images)

The NBA’s current offensive prowess is probably the best it’s ever been. With 40-50 point games being scored on a frequent basis, it’s safe to assert the above statement. Portland Trail Blazers point guard Damian Lillard headlined 26th February’s action after going off for a career-high 71 points against the Houston Rockets.

With his effort, Lillard became the first player in NBA history to score more than 70 points in under 40 minutes and just the eighth player to hit the 70-point mark. His 71-point night came included an impressive twelve 3-pointers. He was in his element from the tip-off and scored a whopping 41 points in the first half itself. He put on a shooting clinic and went on to score 36 of his 71 points from beyond the arc. Lillard has made 204 three-pointers this season, only behind Klay Thompson and Buddy Hield.

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Lillard capped off his historic night with a win, most importantly. The Portland Trail Blazers beat the Houston Rockets 131-114 and improved to 29-31. While the star point guard will continue to be himself, the rest of the squad will need to step up if the team wants to make a postseason push.

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Damian Lillard joins Donovan Mitchell as the second 70-point scorer of the season

Damian Lillard and Donovan Mitchell
Damian Lillard and Donovan Mitchell

On January 2 2023, Cleveland Cavaliers guard Donovan Mitchell took the league by storm against the Chicago Bulls. He scored an astonishing 71-point game which surprised everyone. Mitchell made everyone take notice of his remarkable offensive prowess and ability to catch fire quickly.

The last 70-point game occurred in 2015 when Phoenix Suns guard Devin Booker Erupted for 70 in a loss to the Boston Celtics. The last two decades featured only 2 70+ point games, while there have been two 70 point games in a span of two months in 2023.

Lillard becomes only the 8th player to score 70 or more points in the NBA. He joined an elite list of superstars that includes the legendary Kobe Bryant, Wilt Chamberlain, David Thompson, David Robinson, Elgin Baylor, Devin Booker and Donovan Mitchell. Lillard surpassed Michael Jordan with his 5th 60+ point game, and is now only behind Kobe Bryant and Wilt Chamberlain.

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