Damian Lillard was heated in Game 1 against the Indiana Pacers which beat his Milwaukee Bucks. Will he be able to channel that anger in Game 2? Giannis Antetokounmpo is excited about his return but he is tempering his expectations.
The earliest he believes his star teammate will play is Game 4.
“He elevates our team. He’s one of the best players, still, in the league,” Antetokounmpo said when asked for reaction about Lillard’s probable return.
“Hopefully, whenever he is ready — I don’t know when that’s going to be, Game 5, Game 6, Game 4 — I don’t know what that’s going to be. Hopefully, he can come back and elevate our team and help us win games.”
The Bucks have been missing Lillard since March 19 in loss to the Golden State Warriors. His absence was believed to be due to calf strain but it turned out to be much worse.
He was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis in his right calf on March 25 and was declared out indefinitely, dashing hopes of a great run by the Bucks this playoffs.
However, science and miracle connived and he has been cleared of the illness and is expected to return this post-season.
Latest report said he might play Game 2 or Game 3 but for Giannis, he wants his teammate to be fully ready and healthy.
Giannis Antetokounmpo thought their offense is not good
The Greek Freak scored 36 points in the loss but that was not enough. They ended game losing by 19 points, 98-117.
They could have used the array of moves and scoring arsenal from Damian Lillard’s 24.9 points per game.
Antetokounmpo said there is so much to improve on their offense. One reason behind that is the players being anxious on the floor.
“Our offense wasn’t good,” he said.
“Shots did not fall. It felt like it was Game 1. Guys get, like, anxious. They kind of inch in towards the ball because they want the ball. They want to make a play. They want to get themselves involved in the game, and I don’t think it’s from bad ego.
He is now preaching patience and trust on each other following the loss.
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