Dame Time has officially arrived for the Milwaukee Bucks.
After a blockbuster trade ending his tenure with the Portland Trail Blazers, Damian Lillard made a remarkable debut for the Bucks, posting 39 points on 9-of-20 shooting (4-for-12 from deep), eight rebounds, and four assists. This incredible performance led the team to a thrilling 118-117 win to start the season.
Lillard’s debut broke the record for the most points scored in a Bucks debut.
The seven-time All-Star showcased his brilliance in crunch time, scoring the Bucks’ last 11 points, including a clutch 3-pointer that pushed them ahead by five with just about a minute remaining. Lillard was also flawless from the free-throw line, converting all 17 attempts, with his final two sealing the game with 12 seconds to go.
Additionally, here’s a highlight of a massive and-1 play from a minute and a half earlier.
In a recent three-team trade involving the Bucks, Blazers, and Phoenix Suns, Lillard joined Milwaukee, while Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, and draft capital went to the Blazers. The Suns acquired Grayson Allen, Jusuf Nurkić, Nassir Little, and Keon Johnson to bolster their depth.
The trade had clear reasons behind it. Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, a vocal supporter of Lillard, made it apparent that he wanted the franchise to make moves before committing to a contract extension. The Bucks responded by acquiring Lillard, and Antetokounmpo rewarded the team by signing a lucrative three-year, $186 million extension.
Now, Milwaukee boasts a dynamic duo, supported by a few members of the supporting cast that secured an NBA championship in 2021. Antetokounmpo contributed 23 points, 13 rebounds, three assists, two blocks, and two steals in Thursday’s game.
The Bucks will have another opportunity to showcase their new team on Sunday against the Atlanta Hawks.
