Is this really what the Bucks were looking for when they signed Damian Lillard? Well, it certainly appears so.
With Damian Lillard game-clinching 3-pointer against the 76ers, Dame not only secured a victory during his season debut with the Bucks but also confirmed that the 2021 NBA champions are now a strong closer.
When the game is on the line, it’s “Dame Time.”
True Holiday’s defense or Damian Lillard’s offense?
The Celtics entered the trade market and struck a deal to bring the former Bucks guard to town. Holiday, previously with the Bucks, was traded to the Blazers as part of the Damian Lillard deal, and he is now teaming up with Jayson Tatum and Jaylen Brown.
Some NBA analysts point out that the Bucks gained a true scoring threat but also gave away a key piece of their defense. It’s not a secret that Jrue Holiday is a better defender than the former Portland player.
Lillard made an immediate impact for Milwaukee in his first regular-season game, scoring 39 points, making four of his 12 three-point attempts, and getting to the free-throw line 17 times. Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 23 points, willingly playing a supporting role during crunch time.
Things weren’t perfect in the first game of the season, but perfection can’t be expected this early. Khris Middleton played only 16 minutes, and Coach Griffin will likely continue to tinker with the rotation, especially regarding the fifth starter (it was Malik Beasley in game one).
Opponents will probably become more creative in their defensive strategies against Lillard in the coming months, but Milwaukee won’t be caught off guard by that thought process.”