Ja Morant knew what time it was after Damian Lillard sank the dagger three-pointer to bury the Los Angeles Lakers on Tuesday, stunning the crowd at Crypto.com Arena. The Portland Trail Blazers completed the come-from-behind win against the Lakers, 136-29, and improved to 3-0.
Lillard buried a tough three-pointer with 43 seconds left, giving the Trail Blazers a six-point lead. As soon as the shot went in, Morant did Lillard's trademark “Dame Time” celebration.
Apparently, it was too much for two fans, who had to rage quit and leave the court.
As he has done countless times, Lillard came alive in the fourth quarter. He finished with 21 points, five rebounds, and four assists.
Morant had 23 points and four assists, while Deni Avdija added 23 points, four rebounds, and nine assists.
Before the season, many expressed concern that the 27-year-0ld Morant may have trouble coexisting with the 36-year-old Lillard, as both are high-usage players. But so far, Morant has meshed well with Lillard, providing energy, athleticism, and quickness in the backcourt.
Morant, who is aiming for a resurgent campaign in his first season with the Trail Blazers, tipped his hat to Lillard.
“It's ‘Dame Time.' Time to win. In the biggest moments, guys like that normally step up. We've seen it year in and year out. To have a guy like this on this side is pretty much pick your fighter or pick your poison,” said the fiery guard.
Portland acquired Morant in the offseason via a trade with the Memphis Grizzlies in exchange for Jerami Grant and Kris Murray.