Bucks Zone

Damian Lillard explains what prompted him to chase his first All-Star MVP trophy

"I saw a couple go in. After that, it was just like I'm going after it."
Jonas Panerio|
© Trevor Ruszkowski-USA TODAY Sports

Although Damian Lillard had played in the All-Star Game seven times prior to his stint in the 2024 edition last Sunday, he had never started nor won the prestigious All-Star Game Most Valuable Player award. On Sunday, he admitted wanting to chase the trophy after seeing a few shots hit nothing but the bottom of the net early in the game.

The result? Lillard finished with 39 points, sinking 11 three-pointers—including a couple from halfcourt—en route to being named the MVP in the East All-Stars’ 211-186 win over the West.

Just keep shooting

With the way the All-Star Game is being conducted these days, players will get their shots; plenty of them at that. And if there is one thing the NBA and its fans have learned about Lillard over the years, it’s his ability to knock down difficult shots with ease. So when he saw an opportunity to shoot from well beyond the arc early in the game, he didn’t hesitate.

“You've just got to keep shooting the ball. I think, in a game like this, you know it's going to be pretty loose, and you're going to get your opportunities. Being in the starting lineup, I knew I'd play longer stretches, get more minutes. I just told myself I'm going to be aggressive, and I'm going to keep firing. I saw a couple go in. After that, it was just like, ‘I'm going after it.’ So that was it,” Lillard said after the game.

Motivated to win

After Lillard won his second straight Three-Point Contest title on Saturday, he said he wanted to use that momentum and confidence going into the All-Star Game on Sunday. And he certainly did just that with his explosive performance on Sunday night.

“I did come into the weekend, when I knew I was going to do the 3-point (contest), I was like, ‘I’m going to try to win.’ I’m not going to be casual and cool about it. I’m going to try to win again. And I’m going to come into the All-Star Game, my first start, I know I’m going to be on the floor a lot. I’m a vet in the game at this point. Why not go and try to get an MVP?” Lillard shared.

Malik Beasley and Pat Connaughton allege Damian Lillard missed his first four shots on the last rack on purpose

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Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO