Any time you join Michael Jordan in the history books, you’re probably doing something right.
Such was the case for Bucks superstar Damian Lillard over the 2024 All-Star Weekend.
Back in 1988, Jordan stole the show at All-Star Weekend in his team’s hometown of Chicago. In a Slam Dunk Contest that many believe to be the pinnacle moment of the event’s history, Jordan took down Dominique Wilkins to be crowned champion. The next day, Jordan exploded for 40 points to lead the East over the West, taking home All-Star Game MVP.
For over 35 years, Jordan was the only player in NBA history to win an All-Star Saturday Night event and All-Star Game MVP on the same weekend, per ESPN’s Malika Andrews.
In 2024, Lillard wrote his name alongside His Airness in the NBA record books.
NOH: The biggest winners and losers from All-Star Weekend
Damian Lillard joins Michael Jordan in NBA All-Star Weekend history
Lillard’s weekend in the spotlight kicked off early, looking to defend his 3-Point Contest trophy from 2023.
The sharpshooter did not disappoint, defeating Trae Young and Karl-Anthony Towns to become the first back-to-back 3-Point Contest winner since Jason Kapono in 2007 and 2008.
Damian Lillard wins the 3-point contest on the last shot! pic.twitter.com/JV3eGufqm2
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) February 18, 2024
Lillard’s hot hand didn’t cool off overnight, either.
Lillard came out scorching in the All-Star Game on Sunday night, scoring a team-high 22 points by halftime with six 3-pointers. It was “Dame Time” all the time, as Lillard constantly showed off his limitless range with countless logo 3s and even a pair of halfcourt shots that touched nothing but the net.
Lillard finished the contest with a team-high 39 points and 11 3-pointers, leading the East to a historic 211-186 win over the West.
EVERY ANGLE of Damian Lillard’s 2nd halfcourt shot of the night… this one to put the punctuation on an East W. pic.twitter.com/3yGP9IBLMp
— NBA (@NBA) February 19, 2024
Lillard was rewarded with the Kobe Bryant All-Star Game MVP award, though he was showered with boos as the Pacers’ faithful hoped Tyrese Haliburton would take the honor.
MORE: Complete history of NBA All-Star Game MVPs
What the fans didn’t realize was the history unfolding right in front of them, as Lillard joined Jordan as the only two players in NBA history to win All-Star Game MVP and an All-Star Saturday Night event in the same weekend.
“I did come into the weekend, when I knew I was doing the 3-point, I was like ‘I’mma come to win.’ I ain’t gone come be casual and try to be cool about it. I’mma try to win it again,” Lillard told the media after the All-Star Game.
“I’mma come in the All-Star Game, it was my first start, I know I’m going to be on the floor a lot. I’m a vet in this game at this point, so why not try to go get an MVP?” he continued.
“I’ve been here enough and I saw the ball started to go in and I did that. … It was something that I put my mind on and that’s going to be what my intentions are this weekend. And I was able to do it.”
In doing so, he stands alone with Michael Jordan in the NBA history books.
>>> Read full article>>>
Copyright for syndicated content belongs to the linked Source : Sporting News – https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/damian-lillard-michael-jordan-nba-all-star-weekend-history/5199127f1a03ef7bb88c9101
