Lillard’s Buzzer-Beater Sends Blazers To Second Round
Apr 23, 2019, 11:54 PM
Damian Lillard #0 of the Portland Trail Blazers reacts after hitting the game winning shot in Game Five of the Western Conference quarterfinals against the Oklahoma City Thunder during the 2019 NBA Playoffs at Moda Center on April 23, 2019 in Portland, Oregon. The Blazers won 118-115. (Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
(Photo by Steve Dykes/Getty Images)
PORTLAND, Ore. – Former Weber State star Damian Lillard capped his best playoff performance with a 37-foot three-pointer at the buzzer to give the Portland Trail Blazers a 118-115 win in Game 5 over the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The incredible shot also sent the Blazers to the second round and the Thunder eliminated with a 4-1 series win.
Lillard scored 34 points in the first half which tied a franchise playoff record for points in a half. He finished with 50 points, 7 rebounds, 6 assists and 3 steals. The Weber State Wildcat shot 17-of-33 from the field, including 10-of-18 from downtown.
With 7:12 left in the game, the Blazers trailed by 15 points before they went on a 26-11 run to end the game.
Lillard’s buzzer-beater came after he held the ball for the last shot as he was guarded by Paul George. He stepped to the right and launched the ball deep and hit the biggest shot of his career. After he hit the shot, while his teammates cleared the bench to celebrate, Lillard waved goodbye to the Thunder as they exited the court.
From the logo for the win! Damian Lillard sends the Thunder fishing with a bomb at the buzzer!!!! #nbaplayoffs #nba #NBAPlayoffs2019 #WeAreWeber https://t.co/mswkFuB8kZ pic.twitter.com/oZYJ38cA9K
— Jeremiah Jensen (@JJSportsBeat) April 24, 2019
Next question.#RipCity pic.twitter.com/ob9bpGTrPV
— Trail Blazers (@trailblazers) April 24, 2019
Portland will face the winner of the Denver Nuggets and San Antonio Spurs series in the second round.
