Ever since he made it to the NBA, Damian Lillard established himself as one of the masters in the clutch.
They even — literally — coined it “Dame Time” when the Portland Trail Blazers were in a close game late in the fourth quarter or overtime, and more often than not, he delivered.
However, Skip Bayless recently said on “Undisputed” that he still questions his mental toughness and clutchness at times (via Legion Hoops).
Skip Bayless on Damian Lillard:
“I still question his mental toughness occasionally and his clutch shooting.”
(via @undisputed) pic.twitter.com/DXSBvIvnnA
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) September 28, 2023
One could say a lot of things about Lillard, but it takes a lot of mental toughness to put a franchise on your shoulders for years and lead them to playoff contention, all while dealing with the outside noise and criticism for not leaving said franchise.
Also, he’s second to none when it comes to clutch shooting.
He has two buzzer-beating game-winners to clinch a playoff series.
Also, as of November 2022, he had a grand total of 25 game-tying or winning shots in the final seconds of a game, which is more than any other player since he was drafted in 2012.
Of course, there may have been a time or two in which he’s missed a big shot; that’s a part of the game and happened to the best players on Earth, but one could still state that he’s definitely clutch.
Lillard will give Giannis Antetokounmpo another potential 30+ points-per-game scorer and someone to lean on when the game is on the line.
The Bucks are the team to beat in the East now, and that’s because of Lillard’s arrival.
NEXT: Bucks Reveal Damian Lillard's Jersey Number
