Milwaukee Bucks point guard Damian Lillard made the most of his first All-Star start. In the highest scoring contest in NBA All-Star Game history, which the Eastern Conference won 211-186, Lillard scored 39 points (14/26 from the floor, 11/23 from three), grabbed three rebounds, and dished out six assists. He also drained multiple three-point shots from half-court, proving to everyone that, despite his struggles this season, he is still one of the best shooters in the game.
For his efforts, Lillard was named All-Star Game MVP, joining Giannis Antetokounmpo as the only Bucks players to win the award. The announcement of his win was met by a chorus of boos from the crowd. The game was played in Indianapolis, and Indiana Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton had 32 points while making 11 of his 14 three-point attempts.
Ironically, Lillard eliminated Haliburton from the three-point contest on Saturday night, and then went and stole the MVP Award away from him. Many Bucks fans on social media claimed it was only fitting after the Pacers stole Giannis’ game ball from his 64-point performance earlier this season.
The half-court shots and being the leading scorer on the winning team were enough to give Lillard the MVP despite the sentiments of the crowd (and Charles Barkley, who was advocating for Haliburton to get the award during the broadcast). And by winning MVP, Lillard made some NBA history.
Milwaukee Bucks Star Damian Lillard and NBA Legend Michael Jordan Are the Only 2 Players to Accomplish This Amazing Feat
As mentioned earlier, Lillard eliminated Haliburton from the three-point contest on Saturday night. He also went on to win the three-point contest, his second win in the event in as many years.
By winning the the All-Star Game MVP and the three-point contest, Lillard became the first player in NBA history to win both awards in the same season. He is also just the second player ever to win an All-Star Weekend Saturday Night event and All-Star Game MVP in the same weekend.
The first was Michael Jordan 36 years ago in 1988.;
In 1988, Jordan won the NBA Slam Dunk contest in an epic battle against Atlanta Hawks star and NBA Hall of Famer Dominique Wilkins. Their back and forth battle, which was highlighted by Jordan’s famed dunk after taking off from the free throw line, is still regarded as one of the best slam dunk contests in league history.
The next night, Jordan led the East to a 138-133 victory over the West, pouring in a game-high 40 points.
Interestingly, current Bucks head coach Doc Rivers was an All-Star reserve for the Eastern Conference that year. For those wondering, he had nine points, three rebounds, and six assists. He shot 2/4 from the floor, but only 5/11 from the free throw line.
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