In a thrilling opening night matchup, Damian Lillard wasted no time proving that his offseason declaration about being in better shape wasn't just talk.
The Milwaukee Bucks faced off against the shorthanded Philadelphia 76ers who were missing their own superstars in Joel Embiid and Paul George, and the lone Tyrese Maxey had something to say about it.
Late in the third quarter, the 76ers cut Milwaukee's 22-point lead to just 13 off an 11-3 run courtesy of Maxey's lightning-quick heroics.
Without the smooth shot-making of Khris Middleton, it was Lillard who sealed the game for Milwaukee, keeping them ahead of the opposition every step of the way. Lillard, who had stated earlier that he was in the best shape of his career, backed it up by putting on a show for Bucks fans.
The star point guard finished the game with an impressive 30 points, nine rebounds and six assists. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Lillard also made history as the first pair of Milwaukee Bucks teammates with 25 points, five rebounds, and five assists apiece in the team's season opener.
Dame Time has officially arrived in Milwaukee
Lillard's performance was nothing short of spectacular, showcasing his newfound fluidity and comfort in his new environment, perhaps for the first time since he arrived in town.
After a more intentional and focused offseason, Lillard looked noticeably leaner and more athletic than in previous seasons. He moved effortlessly on the court, showcasing a burst of speed and agility that caught defenders off guard. His ball-handling looked smoother, too, while his finishing around the rim was more efficient.
Perhaps most importantly, Lillard's shooting touch was on point as he calmly sunk six of his 12 attempts from 3-point land, most of which were pull-ups off the dribble. One was from the logo, and another was shot through contact. His ability to create space and knock down shots from deep range was evident as he seamlessly integrated into the Milwaukee Bucks' system alongside superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Damian Lillard's 2024-25 debut with the Milwaukee Bucks was a resounding success. He proved that he wasn't lying about being in better shape; he was ready to lead this team back to glory.
If this performance is any indication, Milwaukee is not just aiming for playoff contention—they're gunning for another championship banner.
Lillard is set to turn the narrative of his Bucks tenure around
Despite all of the initial excitement when the trade was first announced, Lillard's first season with the Bucks was a mixed bag. Even though he still contributed his scoring ability to the club most of the time, his total effect was below expectations and generally did not result in winning basketball. His shooting efficiency declined, his defense deteriorated, and the Bucks were eliminated in the first round of the playoffs.
But as early as the team's preseason exhibition matches, Lillard has been showing that Portland Dame is back, and he's here to stay.
"My teammates and my coaches, they're going to get the real version of me this year. I just know what type of year I had, and I know the type of summer I had (last year) and preparation I had, and they're going to get the real version of me. That's really all I can say."
One of the biggest questions heading into this season was how quickly Lillard and Giannis would develop chemistry on the court. Despite not having met up during the offseason—due to Giannis's commitments with Team Greece and personal matters—Lillard's performance indicated they had found some semblance of common ground relatively quickly throughout training camp.
As Milwaukee looks ahead, they are poised to reclaim their status as title contenders. With Lillard now fully integrated into their system and showing no signs of slowing down, fans have every reason to be excited about what lies ahead. The combination of Lillard’s elite shooting and Giannis’s unmatched athleticism creates a nightmare scenario for opposing defenses.
Lillard's strong start to the season is a sign of things to come. If he can maintain his current level of play, he will be a major contributor to the Bucks' championship aspirations. His improved physicality and shooting touch make him a nightmare for opposing defenses. Milwaukee, Dame Time has arrived.
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