[Saba Sports News] While the Milwaukee Bucks remain Giannis Antetokounmpo’s team for the foreseeable future, the two-time MVP envisions a different scenario in late-game situations this season.
In a crucial victory over the Philadelphia 76ers, Damian Lillard played a pivotal role, scoring 14 points in the final four minutes to secure a 118-117 win for the Bucks. Lillard, the star point guard, tallied 39 points for the game, precisely fulfilling the vision Giannis had for his new teammate.
Lillard shared that during his first visit to the Bucks’ facility for a physical, he and Giannis engaged in lengthy discussions. Giannis expressed his desire for Lillard to be the one closing out games, emphasizing that he should continue doing what he does best.
“And from the day I got here, I walked in — literally, I was in the facility for probably five minutes — before Giannis walked in and I was supposed to be doing all these physicals,” Lillard shared. “I ended up getting my physical at like 1 a.m. or something because me and him sat there for a long time and talked. And one of the main things he kept saying was I’m (going to) do what I do and I want you to do what you do. And you close out games. We know that’s what you do, and that’s what we need you to do here.”
In Thursday night’s game, Lillard demonstrated his clutch ability by sinking a 3-pointer with just 1:13 left, extending the Bucks’ lead to 116-111. Although Tobias Harris responded with a 3-pointer, cutting the deficit to 116-114, Giannis made a deliberate effort to get the ball to Lillard on the next possession. Lillard, at 33 years old, drove to the basket and was fouled by Joel Embiid with 11.1 seconds remaining, making both free throws to seal the game.
While Lillard may not replicate his fourth-quarter performance against the 76ers in every game, it is evident that the Bucks have entrusted him with late-game responsibilities.