Damian Lillard

Damian Lillard is the most clutch player of his generation, and if you disagree, you have not been paying attention to “Dame Time” — those final-minute possessions where the Oakland-born guard transforms from an elite point guard into something approaching a force of nature. Born on July 15, 1990, and selected sixth overall by Portland in 2012, Lillard spent eleven seasons being the best player to never play for a contender before forcing a trade to Milwaukee in 2023. The decision to leave Portland was agonising. The decision to stay would have been worse.

In 2024-25, Lillard averaged 24.9 points per game across 58 games for the Bucks, and injuries limiting his availability have become the recurring subplot of a career that deserves better health luck. His deep three-point shooting — the man launches from areas that other guards would not consider passing from — his pull-up game, and his ability to score in volcanic bursts remain elite. The buzzer-beaters against Houston and Oklahoma City are seared into NBA folklore, and Lillard’s competitive fury in pressure situations is unmatched by any guard in the league.

Lillard’s partnership with Giannis gives Milwaukee one of the most potent scoring duos in basketball, though the question of whether two elite scorers can compensate for roster deficiencies elsewhere remains unanswered. For Australian fans, Lillard’s dramatic performances are the kind of content that highlight packages were invented for, and his ability to seize a game by the throat in the final minutes makes every close Bucks contest appointment viewing. Dame Time does not care about your time zone.

Career Statistics

Player Profile

Damian Lillard plays guard for the Milwaukee Bucks and remains one of the most feared closers in basketball. Dame averaged 24.9 points per game in 2024-25 alongside Giannis, and his deep three-point range — we are talking from the logo, routinely — and legendary “Dame Time” performances make every close game involving Milwaukee a must-watch event. The championship that has eluded Lillard throughout his career is the only thing missing from a resume that otherwise screams all-time great.

VS — Chief sports columnist, australiafootball.com