Damian Lillard has officially recorded two buzzer-beaters that were game-winning shots in his career. These are perhaps his most iconic game-winning moments, secured as time expired.
Understanding Damian Lillard's Clutch Performance
While the exact total number of all game-winning shots made by Damian Lillard throughout his career is not explicitly stated as a cumulative figure, the provided information highlights his exceptional ability to perform in high-pressure situations:
- Buzzer-Beater Game-Winners: Lillard has a total of two recorded buzzer-beaters, both of which definitively secured a victory for his team. These shots are particularly memorable because they occurred as the game clock expired, leaving no time for an opponent's response.
- Clutch Shots in Final 20 Seconds: Beyond buzzer-beaters, Lillard has demonstrated a remarkable consistency in late-game scenarios. He has made 25 shots that were either game-tying or game-winning in the final 20 seconds of a game. This figure is notable as it is more than any other player since he entered the NBA in 2012. While this category includes game-tying shots, a significant portion of these 25 attempts have also been critical game-winners, solidifying his reputation as "Dame Time."
It is important to distinguish between different types of clutch shots:
- Buzzer-beater: A shot made as time expires in a quarter or game, often defining a game's outcome.
- Game-winning shot: Any shot that puts a team ahead for good, particularly one made in the final moments of a close game.
- Game-tying shot: A shot that brings the score level, usually in the final moments, often leading to overtime or setting up a subsequent winning play.
While the exact cumulative number for all game-winning shots (beyond the specifically defined buzzer-beaters) is not precisely detailed, Lillard's track record clearly indicates a significant number of pivotal scores that have sealed victories for his team.
