Damian Lillard posted an unflattering box score against the Pacers in Game 3, but simply having him on the court boosts the Milwaukee Bucks' morale.
"A lot of guys wouldn't play," Doc Rivers told reporters after Milwaukee's 117-101 win Friday night. Before returning in Game 2, Lillard had been sidelined since March 18 with deep vein thrombosis in his right calf, a diagnosis many assumed would end his season. Despite shooting a combined 6-of-25 for 21 points this series, Lillard has inspired his coach and teammates alike.
Doc Rivers says Damian Lillard's toughness is motivating Bucks
Getting seven points from your second-leading scorer is not a winning formula long-term, but the Bucks didn't need a dose of Dame Time in Game 3 thanks to 37 points from Gary Trent Jr. As his shooting funk continued, Lillard contributed to the victory via hustle and defensive tenacity as he powered through exhaustion.
"I was so proud of him, honestly," Rivers said. "He's running on gas. He is on fumes. You can tell he just doesn't have any rhythm."
Lillard's lack of flow is understandable. Sitting out the last 14 games of the regular season and the first game of the playoffs is bound to foster rust. "You don't just sit for as long as he's been sitting and walk into an intense playoff game and have rhythm," Rivers continued. "You just don't. What I love about him is the fact that he wanted to play anyway."
That kind of mindset is something Lillard has preached all season, battling through illness and nagging injuries to play 90 percent of the team's games before his stint on the sidelines, initially attributed to a calf strain, prompted by the blood clot. His return to the floor is no small marvel.
In fact, it may not even be entirely advisable. "He has thrown himself into the fire knowing that he's probably not ready." For his teammates, Rivers said, Lillard's mentality and grit is something to be pumped about. "I think our team loves it. They love what he's doing. They really appreciate it."
Trent's historic performance gave the Milwaukee Bucks a pass on Friday, but they probably need Lillard to contribute offensively to win the series. His 24.9 points per game in the regular season are not readily replaceable.
With Kevin Porter Jr. (shooting 28.6 percent from the field) and Kyle Kuzma (37.5 percent) struggling to make a positive imprint on that end, Milwaukee can ill afford another stinker from Lillard if that trend persists. To lessen his burden, Trent needs to keep taking and making shots as a member of the starting five.
Alongside the tenacious Trent, a strong defensive effort from Lillard gives the Bucks an unexpectedly staunch backcourt. By playing hard and supporting his teammates, Milwaukee's co-star can have an impact that extends beyond his box score contributions to galvanize the entire team. It could - just maybe - be enough to fuel three more wins this series, whether or not he finds his stroke.