The Milwaukee Bucks’ preseason victory over the Los Angeles Lakers on Sunday wasn’t particularlysurprising. We all anticipated that Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard would make their respective preseason debuts, and on the floor, they pretty well delivered on that expectation, dominating.
The two superstars from Milwaukee had a short run, but there is no disputing that the Bucks made a terrific start.
Antetokounmpo, Giannis Unexpected Damian Lillard debut with the Milwaukee Bucks
Naturally, when Giannis spoke to reporters following the game, he had a lot to say about his new running back’s debut Bucks game. The former MVP of back-to-back seasons saw one thing in particular. Antetokounmpo claimed that he absolutely did not anticipate the Lakers to swarm Lillard from the start:
Giannis stated, “This is my eleventh season with the Bucks. “I’ve never witnessed a player getting double-teamed from the opening play of the game. It was unexpected. It’s an exhibition game. It is not a postseason match. The game is not in the regular season. It’s not a play-in game or an intraseason tournament match. It’s an exhibition game.
Even Giannis himself has never been double-teamed in the very first play of a preseason game, so he was undoubtedly surprised by LA’s approach versus Notre Dame.
This only serves to highlight how much defensive focus Lillard will need to have on the offensive end, which will inevitably give Antetokounmpo more space to work with.
Antetokounmpo wants to pay it forward
Lillard was signed by the Bucks with the ultimate goal of aiding them in winning a championship. Giannis is well aware that having Dame in the picture will make life a little bit simpler for him. But he also wants to do the same for the legendary former Portland Trail Blazers player:
He poses a threat, Giannis declared.“Like, he’s already a threat going down from halfcourt.I’ve never engaged in play with a person like that.As much as he makes it simple for me and our team, I hope I can do the same for him.I’ve never had a player like that in the game.pic.twitter.com/X7r9d4D1Mfhttps://t.co/jjX4VNVOkQOctober 16, 2023 — Ballislife.com (@Ballislife)
You can’t ignore the part where Giannis claims he’s never had the opportunity to play with someone like Lillard. This isn’t meant as a criticism on any of his previous or present teammates. In no way. In fact, even people like Jrue Holiday and Khris Middleton themselves are likely to concur with this statement.
Ezoic
To put it simply, Dame is unique.
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