2024 NBA: Damian Lillard Named All-Star Game MVP in Record-Breaking Win

Damian Lillard shattered the Eastern Conference record for most points by a team in an All-Star Game earning him the 2024 NBA All-Star Game Most Valuable Player (MVP) title.

Scoring an impressive 39 points, including 11 successful 3-pointers, Lillard’s remarkable feat earned him a place in history as only the second player since Michael Jordan in 1988 to win a Saturday event (the 3-point contest) and the All-Star MVP in the same weekend.

“Anytime you’re mentioned in the same category as Mike, it’s an honour and it’s a major accomplishment even if it’s All-Star weekend” – Damian Lillard

Lillard’s aggressive approach and exceptional shooting were evident throughout the game, with a memorable half-court shot capping off his stellar night.

 “I just told myself I’m going to be aggressive and I’m going to keep firing. I saw a couple go in, and after that, it was just like, I’m going after it. So that was it,” Lillard shared.

Teammates also shone in the record-breaking victory, with Tyrese Haliburton from the hometown Indiana Pacers contributing 32 points, and Jaylen Brown of the Boston Celtics adding 36 points off the bench.

The Eastern Conference set an All-Star record by scoring 211 points, surpassing the previous mark of 196 set by the Western Conference in 2016. Lillard’s impressive three-point shooting helped the East make 42 three-pointers.

Reflecting on the high-scoring nature of the game, Lillard acknowledged,

“I think 200 is a lot to be scored. It just shows that we didn’t go out there and compete like I guess you would want us to. But I think that’s just what it is. Guys are talented. Make a lot of shots. We hit a lot of threes, and that was it.”

Despite the spectacular performance, some players and fans raised concerns about the lack of competitive edge in the game, prompting discussions about potential adjustments to maintain a balance between entertainment and competition in future NBA All-Star Games.