The annals of NBA playoff history are replete with iconic moments, but few resonate with the enduring controversy and declarative finality of Damian Lillard’s game-winning shot against the Oklahoma City Thunder in the 2019 series. This deep three, fired from well beyond the arc over the outstretched arm of Paul George, not only clinched the series for the Portland Trail Blazers but also ignited a fervent basketball debate that continues to this day regarding its nature: was it a “bad shot” or a testament to elite clutch execution?
The circumstances surrounding the shot amplified its drama. The first-round matchup between the Trail Blazers and the Thunder was fiercely contested, marked by intense individual duels and competitive team play. With moments ticking down in Game 5, the series hung in the balance, and Lillard, known for his penchant for late-game heroics, found himself isolated, tasked with delivering a decisive blow that would send his team to the next round of the NBA Playoffs.
Paul George, the primary defender on that pivotal possession, famously dismissed the shot immediately after the game, labeling it “a bad shot” due to its considerable distance—reportedly 37 feet—and what he perceived as its low percentage. George’s commentary sparked widespread discussion among analysts and fans, with some agreeing that while effective, the attempt was statistically unsound, relying more on individual brilliance than conventional offensive strategy.
However, Damian Lillard, never one to shy away from confidence or accountability, swiftly retorted, subtly reminding George that the outcome was undeniable: his Portland Trail Blazers had advanced, and the Thunder had been eliminated. Lillard’s stance underscored his belief in his own range and decision-making, asserting that in critical moments, a player’s capability transcends traditional shot selection metrics, especially when it results in a game-winner.
Years later, the narrative has been re-examined, most recently through the lens of VJ Edgecombe, who now finds himself a teammate of Paul George. Edgecombe’s recent reflections provide a fresh and intriguing perspective on the infamous shot, offering a defense of Lillard’s audacious attempt that contrasts sharply with George’s initial assessment, adding a new layer to the ongoing basketball debate.
Edgecombe’s rationale centers on Lillard’s undeniable skill and the strategic context of the moment. He posits that for a player of Lillard’s caliber, with his proven track record of sinking clutch shots from extraordinary distances, such an attempt moves beyond the realm of a mere “bad shot” into a calculated risk taken by an elite performer. It was, in Edgecombe’s view, a shot that Dame was capable of making and one that effectively ended the series for the Oklahoma City Thunder.
The game-winner remains a defining highlight of Lillard’s career, cementing his reputation as one of the NBA’s most clutch performers. It symbolizes the modern evolution of basketball, where unconventional long-range attempts are increasingly integral to offensive arsenals. The shot, forever etched in NBA Playoffs lore, encapsulates the raw emotion and high stakes of postseason basketball, leaving an indelible mark on both players’ legacies.
This re-evaluation by VJ Edgecombe not only reignites interest in a classic playoff moment but also contributes to the broader philosophical discussion within basketball: what truly constitutes a “good shot” in a high-pressure, make-or-break situation? For many, including Edgecombe, the ultimate determinant is not just the form or distance, but the outcome, especially when executed by a Damian Lillard.
Ultimately, Edgecombe’s current proximity to Paul George adds a fascinating personal dimension to his endorsement of Lillard’s shot. His perspective underscores that even iconic moments in sports can be subject to shifting interpretations and new insights, continuously fueling the vibrant basketball debate among players, coaches, and fans alike.
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