Milwaukee Bucks’ Damian Lillard hits 20,000 career points

• Damian Lillard achieved a career milestone by scoring 40 points, surpassing 20,000 career points, and becoming the 51st player in NBA history to reach this landmark
• Giannis Antetokounmpo’s triple-double, with a career-high 16 assists, propelled the Milwaukee Bucks to a 132-119 victory over the San Antonio Spurs
• Lillard’s accomplishment, alongside elite active players, underscores his multifaceted skills, mental resilience, and enduring impact on the NBA landscape

Milwaukee Bucks star guard Damian Lillard, reached a significant milestone in his career as he scored a season-high 40 points, propelling his total career points over the 20,000 mark. The Milwaukee Bucks capitalized on Lillard’s exceptional performance to trounce the San Antonio Spurs 132-119. Lillard, known for his scoring prowess and clutch performances, openly acknowledged the significance of this achievement, emphasizing that surpassing 20,000 points is a rare accomplishment and a testament to his dedication and skill.

With this feat, Lillard joined an elite group, becoming the 51st player in NBA history and the eighth active player to achieve the 20,000-point milestone. Remarkably, in his 794th career game, Lillard became the 17th-fastest player to reach this notable benchmark, underlining his consistency and offensive impact throughout his career.

Bucks coach Adrian Griffin commended Lillard’s multifaceted offensive game, noting his ability to shoot from long range, stretch the floor, and put immense pressure on opposing defenses. Lillard’s skill set, marked by versatility and efficiency, has contributed to his status as one of the league’s premier guards. Alongside luminaries like LeBron James, Kevin Durant, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Stephen Curry, DeMar DeRozan, and Chris Paul, Lillard now stands among the elite group of active players with over 20,000 career points.

Notably, Lillard, James, Curry, and Harden hold a unique distinction in NBA history, being the only players to accumulate 20,000 points, 5,000 assists, and 2,000 three-pointers. This statistical achievement further solidifies Lillard’s standing as a complete player, adept not only at scoring but also at facilitating and contributing from beyond the arc.

Damian Lillard (left) scored 40 points to reach 20,000 career points as the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 132-119. | PHOTO: ESPN |

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Reflecting on the journey to this milestone, Lillard highlighted the challenges he faced in high school, and college, and the doubts he encountered in his career. He emphasized the importance of maintaining faith in oneself, especially during times of uncertainty. Lillard’s mental resilience and unwavering belief in his abilities have been integral to overcoming obstacles and reaching the pinnacle of individual accomplishments in the NBA.

The game against the San Antonio Spurs also saw a standout performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks’ dynamic forward. Antetokounmpo recorded a career-high 16 assists, showcasing his playmaking abilities alongside 14 rebounds and 11 points. This marked his 37th career triple-double and his second of the season. Despite missing the opportunity to face off against the Spurs’ Victor Wembanyama, sidelined due to a sore right ankle, Antetokounmpo demonstrated his versatility and impact on both ends of the court.

The absence of Wembanyama, a promising 7-foot-3 rookie, prevented an intriguing matchup against Antetokounmpo, adding an element of anticipation to future encounters between the two players. Spurs coach Gregg Popovich expressed optimism, indicating that they did not expect Wembanyama’s injury to be long-term.

Milwaukee’s victory extended their home winning streak to 14 games at Fiserv Forum, a remarkable achievement reminiscent of their dominance in the early ’90s. Bobby Portis contributed significantly with 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Khris Middleton added 17 points, and Brook Lopez showcased his defensive prowess with 14 points and six blocks.

On the Spurs’ side, Keldon Johnson played a pivotal role with 28 points and 12 rebounds, and Zach Collins contributed 22 points. Despite individual performances, the Spurs have faced challenges, losing 20 of their last 21 games, reflecting a tough stretch for the team.

In conclusion, Damian Lillard’s surpassing of the 20,000-point mark is not only a personal milestone but a testament to his impact on the NBA landscape. The combination of Lillard’s scoring prowess, leadership, and versatility has solidified his legacy as one of the premier guards in the league. As the Bucks continue their impressive home winning streak and the Spurs navigate a challenging stretch, the NBA season unfolds with individual achievements and team dynamics shaping the narrative of this captivating sport.