Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard was successful in the 2021 NBA All-Star Game with 32 points. Of those 32 points, Lillard left the best for last. As the dispute between Team LeBron and Team Durant advanced towards the target score, Lillard put the game on the ice with a three-point lift from the half-court line.
In case you missed it, here’s another look at Lillard’s heroism at the end of the game:
After the game, Team LeBron’s teammate Paul George reviewed his previous criticisms of Lillard’s long-range ability. In the 2019 postseason, Lillard dispatched the Thunder team of which George was a part with a memorable 37-foot three-point ball. George, who was tasked with protecting Lillard in that move, called the attempt a “bad shot” during his post-game interview.
Lillard’s latest exploits seem to have changed George’s outlook. After Sunday’s result, George admitted that he may have been mistaken about his initial criticism of Lillard’s range.
I asked Paul George about the reach of the NBA today.
PG: “Well, I think I was criticized for the right reason for calling Dame’s playoff chance a bad move. I mean, I see that this guy’s reach is crazy.”
Me: “So it’s not a bad shot anymore?”
PG: “It’s a great picture. 2 thumbs up.” pic.twitter.com/fFZhlNREvc
– Tomer Azarly (@TomerAzarly) March 8, 2021
George recorded 26 minutes at Sunday’s showcase event. During his time on the ground, he scored 17 points – second only to Lillard and Jaylen Brown among Team LeBron’s reserves.