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Seven years ago, one of the most remarkable moments in recent Portland Trail Blazers history occurred: Damian Lillard hit a monster of a shot with .9 seconds left in Game Six of the first round of the NBA playoffs, sending the Houston Rockets packing.
Seven years ago, the Blazers sent the Rockets packing at the buzzer for their first playoff series win since 2000.
— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) May 2, 2021
It was about Dame Time ⌚ pic.twitter.com/wnsU2lPUPf
No one in Rip City is likely to forget where they were during that one magical moment. This author distinctly remembers attending a watch party where everyone went crazy, drinks were spilled everywhere, and if the neighbors weren’t also celebrating, they sure knew we were.
What we didn’t know at that juncture was that .9 would be the start of so many buzzer-beating feats by Lillard. Whether you call it Dame Time or Lillard Time, one thing is certain: he is one of the league’s clutchest players. And despite whatever Paul George says, there is no such thing as a bad shot in Damian Lillard’s universe.
Where were you when it happened, and how did you celebrate? Tell us in the comments.