Damian Lillard Explodes for 19 Points in First Quarter vs. Spurs, Makes History in the Process

Lillard joined elite company in NBA history after a blistering first quarter against San Antonio.

Bucks guard Damian Lillard etched his name into NBA history books on Tuesday night during a dominant 19-point first quarter against the Victor Wembanyama-less Spurs. 

Entering the game, Lillard needed just six points to reach 20,000 in his career, and it took him barely any time at all to reach the historic scoring tally.

Less than four minutes into the first quarter, Lillard had already made a three-pointer and a pair of midrange jumpers, becoming the 51st player in NBA history to score 20,000 points.

Lillard achieved the milestone in his 795th career game. Only 16 of the 51 players with as many points throughout league history have reached 20,000 points in fewer games. LeBron James (726) and Kevin Durant (737) are the only active players to have done it faster than Lillard.

20,000 career points for Damian Lillard! 🙌 pic.twitter.com/W0XeKscgd9

— NBA (@NBA) December 20, 2023

Wilt Chamberlain remains the fastest in NBA history to 20,000 points, having surpassed the milestone in his 499th game. It took Michael Jordan, second on the list, 620 games.

Lillard is the eighth active player in the league with 20,000 points in his career, joining an elite group consisting of James, Durant, James Harden, Stephen Curry, Chris Paul, Russell Westbrook, and DeMar DeRozan. 

Now in his first season in Milwaukee after spending his first 11 years in the league with the Trail Blazers, Lillard will look to continue adding to his legendary bucket-getting résumé and move further up the all-time scoring list, while also hoping to make a significant push toward a championship for the first time in his career.