20 Photos That Show Damian Lillard’s Clutch DNA
Damian Lillard’s reputation as one of the NBA’s most clutch players is built on 20 unforgettable moments where he delivered under pressure.
- Sophia Zapanta
- 7 min read
Damian Lillard has built a career on hitting big shots in the biggest moments. These 20 photos highlight the games, buzzer-beaters, and fourth-quarter takeovers that show his ability to stay calm and deliver when it matters most. His fearless approach has made him one of the most respected closers in basketball.
1. 2012 – Game-Winner in NBA Debut
Jayne Kamin-Oncea-Imagn Images
On October 31, 2012, Lillard made his NBA debut, scoring 23 points and dishing out 11 assists against the Lakers. He showed confidence right away, taking control late in the game. This performance set the tone for how he would play in tight moments. It marked the beginning of his reputation for showing up when it mattered.
2. 2014 – Game 6 Buzzer-Beater vs. Rockets
Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
On May 2, 2014, Lillard hit a three-pointer at the buzzer to beat Houston in Game 6 of the first round. The shot gave Portland its first playoff series win in 14 years. He caught the inbounds pass and released the shot in under a second. It’s one of the most iconic shots in Trail Blazers history.
3. 2014 – 40 Points and Late Surge vs. Thunder
Steve Dykes-Imagn Images
On December 23, 2014, Lillard scored 40 points and led a late comeback against the Oklahoma City Thunder. He scored 7 points in the final minute and hit the go-ahead basket in overtime. It was one of several games where he carried the team in the closing stretch. The performance added to his growing reputation for late-game impact.
4. 2016 – 51 Points and Overtime Win vs. Warriors
Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
On February 19, 2016, Lillard scored 51 points against the defending champion Warriors. He hit deep threes, attacked the basket, and stayed aggressive late in the game. He scored 17 points in the fourth quarter and overtime. It was a national reminder of his scoring ability under pressure.
5. 2017 – Game-Winner vs. Lakers in Staples Center
Robert Hanashiro-Imagn Images
On October 20, 2017, Lillard hit a game-winning layup with 0.7 seconds left against the Lakers. He drove past the defense and finished at the rim. The play showed his ability to read the defense and stay composed. It was a quiet but clear example of clutch execution.
6. 2018 – Back-to-Back Threes in Final Minute vs. Nuggets
Isaiah J. Downing-Imagn Images
On April 9, 2018, Lillard hit two deep threes in the final 60 seconds to seal a comeback win over Denver. The shots came with heavy defense and high pressure. He scored 41 points total. The game helped Portland lock in a playoff spot.
7. 2019 – 50 Points and Series-Clinching Shot vs. Thunder
Craig Mitchelldyer-Imagn Images
On April 23, 2019, Lillard hit a 37-foot three at the buzzer to eliminate Oklahoma City in Game 5. He finished with 50 points and waved goodbye to the Thunder. The shot became an instant classic. It’s widely considered his signature clutch moment.
8. 2019 – Fourth-Quarter Takeover vs. Nuggets in Game 6
Jaime Valdez-Imagn Images
On May 9, 2019, in a win-or-go-home Game 6, Lillard scored 17 points in the fourth quarter against Denver. He hit three threes in a row to turn the game around. The run forced a Game 7. It was another playoff moment where he delivered late.
9. 2020 – 61 Points and Clutch Free Throws vs. Mavericks in Bubble
Soobum Im-Imagn Images
On August 11, 2020, Lillard scored 61 points against Dallas in the NBA bubble. He tied the game with a deep three, then hit clutch free throws to win it. Portland was fighting for a play-in spot. His performance kept their season alive.
10. 2020 – 42 Points and Big Finish vs. Nets in Bubble
Ashley Landis/Pool Photo-Imagn Images
On August 13, 2020, Lillard scored 42 points and made several key plays in the final two minutes against Brooklyn. He hit a deep three and found teammates for open looks. The win put Portland into the play-in game. It was part of a stretch where he averaged 51 points over three games.
11. 2021 – 55 Points and Overtime Heroics vs. Nuggets
Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
On June 1, 2021, Lillard scored 55 points and hit multiple clutch threes in a double-overtime loss to Denver. He made two game-tying threes in the final seconds of regulation and overtime. He finished with 12 threes, a playoff record. Even in defeat, it was one of the greatest clutch efforts in playoff history.
12. 2021 – Game-Winner vs. Bulls at the Buzzer
Steve Dykes-Imagn Images
On January 30, 2021, Lillard hit a deep buzzer-beater over two defenders to beat Chicago. He finished with 44 points. The shot capped a 10-0 run in the final minute. It was another example of how quickly he could shift a game’s outcome.
13. 2021 – 39 Points and Late Run vs. Pelicans
Soobum Im-Imagn Images
On March 16, 2021, Lillard scored 20 points in the fourth quarter against New Orleans. He led a comeback from down 17, including the go-ahead free throws. He ended with 50 points overall. The performance showed his ability to carry a game late without forcing shots.
14. 2022 – 41 Points and Fourth-Quarter Explosion vs. Lakers
Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
On February 9, 2022, Lillard scored 41 points and led a late-game surge to beat the Lakers. He scored 16 in the fourth quarter and controlled the pace. The game was one of his few high moments in an injury-affected season. Even after setbacks, he remained dangerous in close games.
15. 2023 – Career-High 71 Points vs. Rockets
Soobum Im-Imagn Images
On February 26, 2023, Lillard scored 71 points against Houston, including 41 in the first half. He hit 13 threes and controlled the game from start to finish. He continued scoring deep into the fourth. It was the highest-scoring game of his career and one of the top performances in league history.
16. 2023 – 41 Points and Clutch Finish vs. Suns
Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
On March 11, 2023, Lillard scored 41 points and made key plays in the final minute against Phoenix. He scored 12 points in the last four minutes. He controlled the pace and got to the free-throw line. It was a complete example of his late-game execution.
17. 2023 – Go-Ahead Three vs. Warriors in Final Seconds
Soobum Im-Imagn Images
On March 22, 2023, Lillard hit a go-ahead three with 8 seconds left against Golden State. He dribbled into a deep shot with full confidence. He finished the game with 33 points. The shot gave Portland a rare win over a playoff-caliber team.
18. 2024 – First Game-Winner with the Bucks
Brett Davis-Imagn Images
On October 26, 2023, in his Milwaukee Bucks debut, Lillard scored 39 points and hit the go-ahead jumper with 14 seconds left against the 76ers. He scored 14 points in the fourth quarter. The performance showed he could still be a closer on a new team. It was a strong first impression in a new city.
19. 2024 – Clutch Threes in Win Over Knicks
Michael McLoone-Imagn Images
On March 8, 2024, Lillard hit three straight threes late in the fourth quarter to seal a comeback against New York. He ended with 35 points. The shots came in isolation and off the dribble. It was a reminder that his clutch skill travels regardless of the system.
20. 2024 – Playoff Push Performance vs. Heat
Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
On April 9, 2024, Lillard scored 36 points in a must-win game against Miami. He hit a late step-back jumper and iced the game with free throws. The win helped Milwaukee improve its playoff seeding. It was a key moment during a tight postseason race.