Damian Lillard has the Blazers pointed in the right direction regarding the NBA playoffs. Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports

Dame on! Lillard scores 61 in victory over Mavericks

Originally posted on Larry Brown Sports | By Larry Brown | Last updated 8/11/20

Damian Lillard was feeling himself after a big game for the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night.

Lillard scored 61 points to lift Portland to a 124-121 win over the Dallas Mavericks. He was 17-of-32 from the field, including nine 3-pointers and a perfect 18-for-18 performance at the line.

After the game ended, Lillard’s competitive attitude was still on display. He could be seen demanding some respect on his name.

Talk that ish, @Dame_Lillard pic.twitter.com/OAHX1XEGWA

— CJ Fogler #BlackLivesMatter (@cjzero) August 12, 2020

Lillard was absolutely locked in for that game. This is becoming a pattern for him, as he scored 51 points on Sunday night and 45 points two games before that.

Lillard wanted to continue the NBA season only if his team was given a chance to make the playoffs. The Blazers were given that opportunity, and he is taking advantage. Portland is now a half-game ahead of Memphis for the final playoff spot in the West. And nobody wants to face the Blazers in the playoffs.

Lillard received some recognition from his peers immediately as well: