The hype train around Damian Lillard arriving in Milwaukee was heavily criticized following his official debut. This trade was one of the biggest ones in the history of the modern NBA. For the Milwaukee Bucks, this is a win-win situation. They weren’t on the radar at all during the off-season while Lillard pushed his way out of Portland. One thing is for sure, it’s that the Bucks could potentially win a title this season.
The 7x All-Star made his official Bucks debut against the Los Angeles Lakers. Fans were expecting to see him go out all along with Giannis Antetokounmpo. But they were given quite the opposite. Lillard played 22 minutes in the game and recorded an underwhelming 30% from the field. This was a very unusual showing from the point guard who generally scores at a high level. One fan said, “This is what all the hype was for? Lol.” Another fan said, “Show efficiency.”
This is what all the hype was for ? Lol
— Isaiah🦅 (@RatiodByHurts) October 16, 2023
Show efficiency
— 🐐 (@HonestKdfannn) October 16, 2023
Fans were disappointed with how Damian Lillard performed against the Lakers. The point guard is usually known for shooting lights out irrespective of the challenges he faces on the court. This is the same person who shot a deep-range buzzer-beater against one of the top defenders of the league in 2019 while he was with the Blazers. Considering that Lillard is a 43.9% FG shooter, averaging 30% was a complete letdown.
Damian Lillard issues a warning to other teams following his Bucks debut
Eventually, the Bucks were able to close out the game 108-97. The Lakers did not have LeBron James on the court, which partially contributed to their loss. Damian Lillard finished with 14 points, 2 rebounds, and 3 assists during the game. He also recorded four crucial steals against the Lakers. Giannis was his usual self appearing for only 15 minutes to record 16 points, 8 rebounds, and 1 assist. Things are going smoothly for the Bucks but the competition is expected to increase, as per Lillard.
During the post-game press conference, Lillard issued a stern warning to the rest of the league. He said, “He [Giannis] can dominate a game and win you a game… The first couple of plays of the game, they trap me, and the guy that I’m releasing the ball to is Giannis. We can do this all night.” Lillard has never had anything bad to say about Giannis so far and it seems like they love being in each other’s presence.
“He can dominate a game and win you a game… The first couple plays of the game, they trap me, and the guy that I’m releasing the ball to is Giannis. We can do this all night.”
Damian Lillard on playing with Giannis Antetokounmpo.
(via @TomerAzarly) pic.twitter.com/cuhchiZmXz
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) October 16, 2023
However, with the regular season not too far away, Damian Lillard will have to shake off the rust as soon as possible. Giannis and Lillard have both expressed their intentions to let each other do what they do best. The Bucks will take on the Oklahoma City Thunder next and then the Memphis Grizzlies to close out their preseason run.