Shai Gilgeous-Alexander gives Damian Lillard the ultimate compliment

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander and the Oklahoma City Thunder were stopped in their tracks by the Portland Trail Blazers, who got a vintage performance from Damian Lillard on Tuesday at Moda Center in Portland, Ore. 

Even Gilgeous-Alexander showed his respect for Lillard’s performance.

“Obviously, he’s as decorated as they come,” the two-time NBA Most Valuable Player said of Lillard after the game, via Justin Martinez of The Oklahoman. “He’s a really good player. Having guys like that back out there is always great for the game. He’s one of the best shooters to ever touch a basketball, and that doesn’t leave you.”

Lillard led the charge for Portland in the pivotal third period, where the Blazers turned the tide completely in their favor.

“He was a big reason why they stretched it out in the third tonight, and if we want to come out with a W then we’ve got to do a better job,” Gilgeous-Alexander added.

The game was tied at 59-59 at halftime before the Blazers outscored the visiting Thunder by 17 points (38-21) in the third quarter. Lillard poured in 13 points in the period on the strength of his 3/4 shooting from behind the arc, including one from near the logo to close out the quarter.