Damian Lillard returned for the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers although it did not lead to a victory.
The best takeaway in the game though is the fact that Lillard feels good despite playing significant minutes in his first game back since March 17.
“I felt pretty good, given the fact that I haven’t played in so long and jumping back into a playoff game. I would say I felt pretty good,” he said.
The nine-time All-Star played almost 37 minutes in the game and finished with 14 points on four out of 13 shooting. He also contributed seven assists.
His scoring prowess is a very much needed boost for Giannis Antetokounmpo who this time recorded 34 points, 18 rebounds, and seven assists.
He only had one assist last time and his members in the starting unit only had 14 points combined.
Damian Lillard said he got tired late
Lillard did not play competitive basketball for one month since his illness was on his calf. This is why his conditioning coming to the game was not top-notched.
He admitted that he got tired although he still hit a clutch three in under three minutes that cut the lead down to two. He believes it could have been a gateway for them to steal the game.
“We cut the lead to two, we very well could’ve stole that game,” he said.
“We was in position to do it. But it’s all mental. It’s a mental battle. The competition, pushing through, being disciplined, being able to do what needs to be done down the stretch of the game. I think that’s what Doc meant. For me I wasn’t really thinking about oh, I’m tired or any of those things. It was just like, you know, I’m out here, I’m going to do what I gotta do.”
Bucks-Pacers series resumes on Friday.
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