Things were getting heated between Damian Lillard and Russell Westbrook in the 2019 NBA Playoffs. The two had trash talked throughout their career matchups, most of which came from Westbrook. This was silenced after Lillard nailed a game-winning series-clincher against the Oklahoma City Thunder. Prior to that shot, Lillard proved he was the better point guard in the series on a stretch of plays.
One sequence had Westbrook trying to match the sharp shooting of Lillard. The rest of the Portland Trail Blazers watched as Dame got in Westbrook’s space on Russ’ initial post-up. Russell’s 3 eventually clanked, and Damian celebrated by clapping emphatically. Not known to strut, Lillard seemed to do so to prove to the doubters who questioned his defense throughout his career. Lillard then got the ball at half-court and methodically walked up to his spot. This spot of course was from 30-foot and well beyond the 3-point line. Westbrook didn’t even contest, as his eyes followed the ball, which hit the back of the rim and in. Lillard then raised his arms beside him, flapping his hands up and down before saying “BOMBS AWAY.”
The shoes Damian Lillard rocked for this game was the adidas Dame 5. Like past Lillard signatures, the shoe boasts full-length Bounce cushioning, as well as a lightweight mesh on the upper. The eye-catcher on the shoe is the lateral “banking barriers” on the lateral side of the Dame 5, which provides support on lateral movements.
Lillard rocked the “Brookfield Park Gym” player exclusive for this iconic moment, but you can find other colors of the adidas Dame 5 at StockX and GOAT.
Cover image via the Portland Mercury
