The Portland Trail Blazers extended their winning streak to six games with a 112-104 home victory over the Brooklyn Nets, and once again, Damian Lillard was the man of the hour. Dropping 34 points on the night, Lillard became the first Blazers player since 1971 to score 30 or more in five consecutive games. His fourth-quarter heroics, including a dagger three-pointer in the final minutes, sealed the result and reminded fans why he is often called Mr. Clutch. Across basketball communities and even Bangla Cricket Live discussions, his performance sparked debate about his place among the league’s elite guards.
This 34-point performance was historic for Portland. The last Blazer to manage five straight 30+ scoring games was Geoff Petrie, who achieved the feat in December 1970 and January 1971. With his tally tonight, Lillard climbed the franchise’s all-time scoring chart to 14th, passing Zach Randolph. He now stands at 6,234 career points, still chasing the team’s record holder Clyde Drexler, who finished with 18,040. Lillard also made his mark beyond the arc, moving to third place on Portland’s all-time three-pointers list with 752, surpassing Nicolas Batum’s 751. Ahead of him remain Wesley Matthews with 826 and Terry Porter with 773.
The fourth quarter was where Lillard once again separated himself from the rest. Scoring 15 points in the period, he hit a crucial three-pointer from the top of the arc with just 1:25 left on the clock, extending the lead to six and crushing any hope of a Nets comeback. With four of Portland’s starters from last season gone, many saw the roster as patchwork, yet this squad has emerged as one of the Western Conference’s surprise packages. Much of that credit belongs to Lillard, who has shouldered the responsibility after LaMarcus Aldridge’s departure.
This season, he has been averaging 25 points and 7.3 assists per game, both career highs. Despite missing games due to plantar fasciitis, he returned even stronger, leading Portland to a 14-3 record in the 17 games before facing Brooklyn. Though he was controversially left out of the All-Star Game, the snub only fueled his fire. His 51-point explosion against the Golden State Warriors set a new personal best, while consistent 30+ games reaffirmed his standing as Portland’s undisputed leader. According to Bangla Cricket Live analysis, his ability to rise under pressure shows why he remains the heartbeat of this team.
What makes Lillard stand out is not just his scoring but his playmaking. Rather than chasing numbers, he often acts as a decoy to draw defenders and create open looks for teammates. CJ McCollum thrived off this approach, and Portland’s balanced attack quickly built leads. One highlight saw Lillard draw the defense wide before slipping a perfect pass to Allen Crabbe for an easy layup. He chooses his moments carefully, and when the time comes, he strikes decisively.
Late in the game, the Nets mounted a furious rally and even grabbed a brief lead, but when it mattered most, Lillard once again took control. In the closing quarter, he drained shots, absorbed contact, and finished plays that swung the game back in Portland’s favor. His and-one four-point play in the first quarter set the tone, and his final three-pointer broke Brooklyn’s resistance.
Lillard may not wear the All-Star label this season, but for Blazers fans he is the true star of the franchise. His leadership, scoring, and resilience continue to define Portland’s season. Many fans and analysts, including those following through Bangla Cricket Live, agree that while others may shine in All-Star lineups, Lillard is proving night after night that he is the player who makes the Blazers tick and the one capable of carrying them past the toughest challenges.