Weber State University Athletics
Damian Lillard hits buzzer beater in NBA Playoffs
5/3/2014 6:28:00 AM | Men's Basketball
Former Weber State All-American Damian Lillard's legend continues to grow. Lillard knocked down a series-winning 3-pointer at the buzzer late Friday night to move the Portland Trail Blazers to the second round of the NBA Playoffs.
Lillard's 3-pointer gave the Blazers a 99-98 win over the Houston Rockets in Game 6 of the first round of the playoffs. He finished the night with 25 points and gave Portland its first playoff series win since 2000.
It was Lillard's fourth career game-winning shot in the final five seconds of a game after just two seasons in the NBA. It was also the first buzzer-beater to win an NBA playoff series since John Stockton's 3-pointer in 1997 that sent the Utah Jazz to the NBA Finals.
Lillard became an NBA All-Star this season after earning Rookie of the Year honors last year. He was selected with the sixth pick of the 2012 NBA Draft by the Blazers, the highest selection in Weber State history. During the 2011-12 season, Lillard had one of the greatest seasons in Weber State men's basketball history. He was named Big Sky Conference MVP, District Player of the Year and earned Third-Team All-American honors, becoming the first player in Big Sky history named to an All-American team. He led the country in scoring throughout most of the season and finished second at 24.5 points per game. He set WSU single-season records in scoring, three-pointers and free throws made.
In his 103 career games at Weber State, Lillard ranks second in school history in career scoring and career three-pointers. He is WSU's all-time leader in free throws and free throw percentage. He was named Big Sky MVP twice during his career and led the Wildcats to two Big Sky titles.
