Horry Scale: Damian Lillard stuns Kings with deep buzzer-beater

Damian Lillard wins it for the Bucks.

A reminder on The Horry Scale: It breaks down a game-winning buzzer-beater (GWBB) in the categories of difficulty, game situation (was the team tied or behind at the time?), importance (playoff game or garden-variety night in November?) and celebration. Then we give it an overall grade on a scale of 1-5 Robert Horrys, named for the patron saint of last-second answered prayers.

* * *

“Dame Time” has officially arrived in Milwaukee.

Damian Lillard saved the Bucks on Sunday night, drilling a 32-foot pullup jumper at the buzzer to lift Milwaukee to the 143-142 win over Sacramento.

Lillard’s first game-winning buzzer-beater since joining the Bucks in the offseason capped off a back-and-forth game in which Milwaukee blew a 12-point 4th quarter lead before rallying in OT.

For Lillard, it was his 2,500th career 3-pointer and rounded out a 29-point night.

GAME SITUATION: After seeing their fourth-quarter lead evaporate, Milwaukee fell behind by six early in overtime and was playing catchup throughout the extra period. Lillard did his part, hitting a 3-pointer and three free throws to give Milwaukee a 137-136 lead with 1:18 left. That lead would be short-lived, however, and the Kings would hold a one-point edge when De’Aaron Fox was fouled with 5.2 seconds left. Fox, who scored a team-high 32 points, would miss the first free throw (his first at the line all game) before knocking down the second. With no timeouts, the moment was set for Lillard’s heroics.

DIFFICULTY: Lillard quickly inbounded the ball to Brook Lopez, who gave the ball back to the point guard at full speed heading upcourt with Fox lagging behind. Domantas Sabonis tried to provide help but was too slow. Lillard crossed halfcourt, taking four left-handed dribbles and pulling up just past the logo, fading to his left, and knocking down the virtually wide-open 3-pointer.

CELEBRATION: How else would Lillard celebrate his first winning buzzer-beater with the Bucks? With the crowd in a frenzy, Lillard flashed his signature “Dame Time” celebration, tapping his left wrist before his teammates mobbed him near halfcourt in a wild celebration. In case the fans missed it (or wanted more), Lillard escaped the mob and took his time, strutting around the court repeatedly tapping that left wrist as if to remind the fans what he brings to the Bucks. During his postgame interview, Lillard was doused with water from Malik Beasley, a welcome shower for the hero.

DAME CALLED GAME ⌚️#FearTheDeer | #NBA pic.twitter.com/8U0zRkBmrx

— Bally Sports Wisconsin (@BallySportWI) January 15, 2024

GRADE: Lillard buzzer-beaters just hit different. There wasn’t anything too difficult about the shot, but it capped off a back-and-forth battle that featured several major swings. The fact it was Lillard’s first in Milwaukee and came on the same day the NFL’s Green Bay Packers pulled off a dominant playoff upset in Dallas will make it forever memorable for Bucks fans. Dame Time has officially arrived.

3.5 Horrys.