The NBA offseason is full of surprises, as we witness numerous trades and player acquisitions by different teams. These transactions play a crucial role in determining a team’s performance once the season begins and whether the acquired player proves to be a valuable asset for the franchise.
During the 2023 offseason, the Milwaukee Bucks made headlines by acquiring Damian Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers, a move that surprised both fans and the league alike, especially as the All-Star point guard joined forces with the 2x regular season MVP, Giannis Antetokuonmpo.
Incredible Damian Lillard stats come to the surface
While there was scepticism by the NBA analysts as to whether Lillard would fit with the Bucks as there was already a ball handler, once the season began, all doubts were cleared as the all-star was helping the franchise in more ways than they imagined.
With Lillard on the team, his skills and deadly shooting prowess created another offensive threat for the Bucks, further solidifying their chances of success. Additionally, Lillard’s signing reassured Giannis that the franchise was serious about pursuing an NBA title. Furthermore, Lillard’s arrival ignited a spark that led Giannis to sign a contract extension with the Bucks.
Damian Lillard pulls the Bucks over the line against the Nets
After a tough loss on Wednesday to the NBA and Eastern Conference leaders, the Boston Celtics, the Milwaukee Bucks bounced back to defeat the Brooklyn Nets 115-108 on Thursday. Damian played a pivotal role in the victory, scoring a total of 30 points, with 13 coming in the fourth quarter alone. Additionally, he recorded 12 assists and 3 rebounds.
Lillard showcased his skills on both ends of the floor, picking up two steals during the final 5 minutes of the game. The first steal occurred when he stripped the ball from Cam Thomas of the Nets, leading to a fast break opportunity that resulted in a three-point play by Giannis. The second steal happened with less than 2 minutes remaining in the game and led to a three-pointer by Malik Beasley.
Giannis returned to the court after missing two games due to hamstring injury and scored 21 points with 9 rebounds and 5 assists. The Milwaukee Bucks are currently the 2nd seed right behind the Boston Celtics in the Eastern Conference with a record of 45-25 and show great promise for the playoffs.
