Damian Lillard dishes on latest scoring feat: "I pour a lot into the things that give me a chance to be successful"

A lot of work goes unseen in these types of accomplishments.

© Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

While some players make it look easy, scoring in the NBA is anything but. Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard has worked hard to become one of the league's most prolific scorers, and his latest feat — joining the league's 20,000-point club — was no exception.

In a postgame press conference, he spoke about what it takes to keep up his scoring prowess, sharing, "I pour a lot into the things that give me a chance to be successful, and it's just continued to work."

"When I was younger I was offended by it -- why don't they see what I see in myself? What I found is 𝙄 𝙝𝙖𝙫𝙚 𝙩𝙧𝙪𝙚 𝙗𝙚𝙡𝙞𝙚𝙛 𝙞𝙣 𝙢𝙮𝙨𝙚𝙡𝙛." #Bucks Damian Lillard talks about his mentality and being one of 51 players with 20,000 career points. #FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/GStxCPiQxQ

— Bally Sports Wisconsin (@BallySportWI) December 20, 2023

A virtual unknown

Despite being the undisputed star of Oakland High School, where he averaged over 28 points as a senior, Lillard wasn't given much attention by recruiting experts and platforms. Popular recruitment portals ESPN100 and Rivals did not have Dame on their radar, while 247Sports had him ranked no. 214.

Lillard shared that there were times when he got offended by their views, but he didn't let it deter him from believing in his abilities and work ethic.

"When I was younger, I was offended by it. I was like, 'Why don't they see what I see in myself?' What I found is I have true belief in myself," Damian said.

"That's why when I struggle, or when I'm not at my best, and I'm criticized, or people have things to say, I never waver during those times because I know that I'm true to it. And I've had those moments in my career, from middle school to high school to college to the NBA."

Moments that lead up to big accomplishments

The seven-time All-Star shared that these things go through his mind whenever he attains significant milestones like Tuesday night. The journey and the numerous potholes he had to step over meant just as much to Lillard as the destination.

"People will see my true character when I'm having high moments like tonight based on how they saw me handle the struggles and the ups and downs. That's what I think of when I have an accomplishment like this. I think of everything that went into me arriving at this point," Lillard said.

Damian Lillard, the 51st player in NBA history to score 20,000 points. pic.twitter.com/uchJzqwQiw

— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) December 20, 2023