How many 40-point games does Damian Lillard have in his career? Looking at where he stands on NBA's all-time list

Portland Trail Blazers guard Damian Lillard has had an illustrious career in the NBA. Lillard has built a career out of being a clutch performer and has established himself as one of the most dynamic players in the league today.

One of the most notable feats of Lillard's NBA career is the number of games in which he’s scored 40 or more points. Lillard has tallied at least 40 points in a whopping 51 games so far in his career. This is an incredible accomplishment, considering that he has only been in the league since 2012.

In fact, Lillard had more 40-point games in his first nine seasons than any other player in NBA history, bar Wilt Chamberlain.

His first 40-point game came on Jan. 7, 2014, against the Sacramento Kings. In that game, Lillard scored 41 points on 15-of-25 shooting, including 5-of-8 from 3-point range. He also had six rebounds and four assists, leading the Blazers to a 113-98 victory.

One of Lillard's most memorable 40-point outings came in the playoffs in 2019, when he led the Blazers to a series-clinching victory over the OKC Thunder. Lillard scored 50 points on 17-of-33 shooting, including 10-of-18 from beyond the arc.

Lillard's efforts have lifted him to 18th on the list of players with the most 40-point games. The seven-time All-Star sits just ahead of Larry Bird, Bob Pettit, and Shaquille O'Neal, but trails Dominique Wilkins, Bob McAdoo, and Adrian Dantley.

Can Damian Lillard become the leader in 40-point games?

With plenty of gas still in the tank, the 2013 Rookie of the Year will fancy his chances of catching up to George Gervin (66), Rick Barry (70), and Kareem Abdul-Jabbar (70) before he bids his farewell to the NBA. He could also surpass Oscar Robertson (77) and Allen Iverson (79).

However, there is no chance of him becoming the all-time leader in 40-point games. That record currently belongs to Wilt Chamberlain, who posted 271 games with at least 40 points.

It is pertinent to note that Lillard's 40-point games are not just a result of his ability to score from the perimeter. While he is certainly a deadly 3-point shooter, he is also a master of getting to the basket and finishing in traffic. He has a wide range of offensive skills, including a potent mid-range game and an ability to draw fouls and get to the free-throw line.