When fans think of the Portland Trailblazers, they most likely think of their all-time leading scorer, Clyde “The Glide” Drexler. But last night, that might have changed as Damian Lillard surpassed Drexler and became the franchise’s all-time leading scorer.
In the third quarter of Monday night’s game against the Thunder, Lillard scored his 18,041st point, pushing him past Drexler in the record books.
Drexler, a Hall of Famer, scored 18,040 points during his tenure with the franchise (1983-95), holding the scoring title for 27 years. Lillard, who has been with the team since 2012, needed 21 points to pass Drexler. He ended up on the losing side but dropped 28.
“Obviously it’s not the same as if we had won the game, you feel better about it, but it’s an accomplishment that came with a lot of losses and a lot of wins,” Lillard said. “I don’t want to not acknowledge it, it’s an honor, it’s a great feel to, I guess, reach the top. It’s been a goal of mine and the list has so many great players, the great history of the organization, so to climb it and be number one is a special accomplishment that I’m proud of.
“Even during the game tonight, I wasn’t playing focused on getting to the record. I was playing the game just trying to win. I knew it would happen eventually.”
Lillard is a rarity in today’s NBA game as he has made it clear that he wants to remain with the franchise that drafted him with the sixth overall pick in the 2012 NBA Draft.
The Weber State guard has rewarded them by becoming a 6x All-Star and leading the team to eight playoff appearances.
In addition to now being the team’s top scorer, Lillard is also the franchise’s leader in 3-pointers made and attempted, free throws made and free throw percentage.
