MILWAUKEE — Just five minutes after Damian Lillard arrived at the Bucks’ facilities, Giannis Antetokounmpo followed suit. This trade between the Portland Trail Blazers and the Milwaukee Bucks marked the end of months of silence and standoffs, as Lillard’s desired move to the Miami Heat was rejected. However, Antetokounmpo made it clear that he saw this trade as a true partnership and not just another opportunity to be the solo star.
Due to the late hour, Lillard had to postpone his physical examination and any other necessary procedures. Instead, he and Antetokounmpo sat down and discussed their shared vision of winning a championship together.
“One of the things he emphasized was for me to do what I do best while he does the same,” Lillard revealed. “He wanted me to close out games.”
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And that’s exactly what Lillard did in his first game as a Buck. He scored an impressive 39 points against the Philadelphia 76ers, setting a new record for the most points scored in a Milwaukee debut. Notably, 14 of those points were scored in the final four minutes of the game, leading the Bucks to a thrilling 118-117 victory.
When the Sixers took the lead late in the game, Lillard received encouragement from Bucks veterans Jae Crowder and Cam Payne.
“Dame, finish ’em.”
“Close ’em out.”
So Lillard did what he does best. He took advantage of a switch, baiting his defender with a behind-the-back dribble before stepping back for a 30-foot shot that extended Milwaukee’s lead to 116-111.
However, the most revealing moment came with less than 30 seconds left on the clock. With the Bucks holding a two-point lead, Antetokounmpo signaled for Lillard to come get the ball.
Lillard took the ball, drove past his defender, drew a foul from Joel Embiid, and earned two crucial free throws. During the timeout that followed, Lillard had another private conversation with Antetokounmpo while walking towards the Bucks’ bench.
“He wanted me to make that final decision,” Lillard explained.
As Lillard adjusts to his new surroundings, he can’t help but feel like the new guy despite his years of experience in the league. In Portland, he was familiar with every corner of the Moda Center and recognized the faces of the staff. However, in Fiserv Forum, he is still navigating his way around and adjusting to his new team.
Lillard is eager to develop chemistry with Antetokounmpo and has been studying footage of their pick-and-roll partnership. He recognizes that Antetokounmpo brings a unique dynamic as a screener and a dominating player on the court.
“They are still learning and growing together, still trying to build chemistry. This is just the beginning,” said Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin. “It takes time, and we understand that. They are both professionals who are working extremely hard. However, we also need to keep things in perspective. They have only had limited time together.”
Despite a successful first game, the Bucks are aware that there are no guarantees in the NBA. Last season, they finished with the best record in the Eastern Conference, only to be eliminated by the Miami Heat in the first round. The Bucks made adjustments during the offseason, including the trade for Lillard, but are still going through changes within the team.
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One notable change is the departure of assistant coach Terry Stotts, leaving a vacancy in the coaching staff. However, the Bucks are working on determining whether to fill Stotts’ role or redistribute the responsibilities among the existing assistants. Throughout these adjustments, Lillard continues to shine in closing games, and Antetokounmpo’s approval of the trade is evident.
As a testament to the impact of Antetokounmpo’s contract extension, a billboard featuring his image and signature now hangs over I-794, celebrating his commitment to the Bucks. This further highlights the significance of the blockbuster trade.
