NBA stars Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard were stunned to witness Damian Lillard casually hitting half-court shots in the 2024 NBA All-Star Game. KD and Leonard were impressed with Lillard’s performance as he made two half-court shots on Sunday night in Indianapolis, Indiana.
Kevin Durant and Kawhi Leonard were in awe with Damian Lillard’s performance
In the post-All-Star Game media conference, Durant showered praise for the 2024 Kobe Bryant All-Star Game MVP. He went on to mention Damian Lillard’s work ethic for making long-distance shots impressive.
“Me and Kawhi was in awe of him shooting from the half-court line like it’s a free throw,” Durant said. “That’s just strength, power, just muscle memory. Somebody who works extremely hard every day on their craft to be able to do that without flinching. It was just normal, natural motion.”
"Me and Kawhi was in awe of him shooting from the halfcourt line like it's a free throw… strength, power, muscle memory."
– KD on Dame's long distance shooting 🔥 pic.twitter.com/9K34iC4Bd0
— NBA (@NBA) February 19, 2024
Damian Lillard finished the game with 39 points, shooting 53.5% from the field and going 11-for-24 from beyond the arc. Lillard racked 22 of his 39 points in the first half, which set the momentum for the Eastern Conference’s first win in the All-Star Game since 2014.
Kevin Durant, on the other hand, had 18 points, five rebounds, five assists and two steals. Durant was on the court for 24 minutes since the game was already out of reach toward the end of the third quarter.
Kawhi Leonard pitched in five points and two rebounds in just 10 minutes. Leonard was dealing with an adductor injury before the All-Star break and his availability was doubtful. He has been very healthy for the LA Clippers this season and it is quite crucial for the side.
While Damian Lillard showcased a brilliant performance, many fans in attendance at Gainbridge Fieldhouse didn’t approve Lillard being named the best player of the game.
Bucks fans have high hopes for Lillard’s performance in the second half of the 2023-24 NBA season, following his impressive performance at the All-Star Game. Lillard’s form was not up to the mark towards the end of the first half of the campaign.
However, his recent performance could provide him with the momentum he needs to improve his game in the second half. In his last 10 games, he has only managed to shoot 42.1 percent from the field and a disappointing 31.7 percent from the 3-point area.
We will have to wait and see how everything pans out for him.
