⌕/
Damian Lillard · Last year’s exhibition was probably confirmation enough, but for those who hadn’t received the memo, Damian Lillard offered a reminder: the Milwaukee Bucks’ star guard has a game tailor-made for the All-Star Game scene. Fearless and free-flowing in even the NBA’s most high-stakes environments, Lillard — likely unphased by the 2025 All Star Game’s cool, casual vibe — runs an inverted pick-and-roll before a teammate’s pass encourages him to put his generationally-great range to the test. Quick in eliminating Keyonte George’s could-be contest through a well-sold pump fake, Lillard settles into a trademark, left-drive pull-up that cashes in from deep. Buoyed by the confidence of winning the Most Valuable Player Award during 2024’s clash of elites, Lillard again brought brilliance as Team Shaq’s OGs overcame a spirited battle against the Rising Stars. Leading all scorers in both sides, Lillard efficiently produced a nine-point, three-rebound, two-assist showing, propelling his team to the championship round on February 16, 2025. · State of Mint