Nothing is misplaced on me in relation to Damian Lillard, and neither was his 39-point debut within the Milwaukee Bucks’ 118-117 win over the Philadelphia 76ers on Thursday. That is what he does, and Giannis Antetokuonmpo is more than pleased to cede crunch-time duties to a man who constructed his model on clutch moments.
Within the spirit of a fellow mean-mugging murderer: Lillard is one of the best there’s at what he does, however what he does isn’t very good. I’m sure that is solely the beginning of a parade of highlights from him this season (that can make me sob uncontrollably). And I’m equally constructive that the Bucks must improve that two-guard spot proper now or else they’re going to hemorrhage factors to opposing backcourts.
Tyrese Maxey and Kelly Oubre mixed for 58 factors on 19 of 33 from the sphere. Despite the fact that De’Anthony Melton began the sport on the two, new Philly coach Nick Nurse caught with the hot-handed Oubre after it was evident which streaky shooter had his birthday swimsuit on. It was an encouraging sport for the 76ers amid the continued James Harden chicanery and additional proof that they should transfer the late-stage rockstar as quickly as doable.
Joel Embiid wasn’t nice to open up his MVP protection, tallying seven turnovers, 5 missed free throws, and 5 fouls. He nonetheless bought 24, 7, and 6, so it’s not like he was an entire catastrophe. My level is that if I advised you ways Embiid and Lillard performed earlier than seeing the ultimate rating, you’ll’ve mentioned the Sixers misplaced by 20, proper?
Giannis had eerily related numbers to the Sixer heart — 23, 13, 3, with 7 turnovers and 6 missed freebies — so the Bucks can go larger as nicely, however Malik Beasley and Pat Connaughton aren’t getting any taller. A slight guard subsequent to Lillard was an enormous cause why Portland perennially sucked on protection as fixed dribble drives guarantee layups, open threes, or foul bother for bigs. Brook Lopez and Antetokounmpo every had 4 fouls, and solely the latter blocked any photographs. Maxey additionally went to the road 10 occasions.
Milwaukee is extra harmful with Lillard as a result of he’s a fourth-quarter offense unto himself and is an insurance coverage coverage towards unhealthy possessions. That mentioned, the hazard goes each methods, and is exacerbated when you will have a bunch of minions accompanying him within the backcourt.
