The Milwaukee Bucks got close to winning game two of their series with the Indiana Pacers but they had lapses on the defensive end after cutting the lead down to two points in under three minutes. That lapse was described by star guard Damian Lillard as ‘mental.’
It was Lillard who hit the three point to get close to the Pacers, 113-115 with 2 minutes and 33 seconds to go. However, they allowed their opponents two straight three pointers, leading to them losing, 123-115, when the buzzer sounded.
The mental part has been fixed by the team in Game 3 as they were now able to avoid going down a 0-3 hole by winning Game 3.
Lillard stands by his Game 2 claim. Mental toughness is necessary in this series.
Damian Lillard on his impact on the defense
This mental sharpness he preaches, however, is more about him now as he struggled in Game 3.
He scored 14 points in his first game back since March 18 but he struggled intensely in the next one, scoring just seven points.
To him, game 3 was all about finding ways to contribute when you are struggling in the area where you are usually the go to guy.
“I’ve played in enough playoff games where I understand that it’s about finding a way to win,” Lillard said.
“Having so much time off, sometimes your rhythm and your timing, things can feel good but it’s a work in progress.
“It’s just a mental battle. You got to keep finding a way to impact the game. That was my focus was to help find a way to win.”
Good thing for Lillard, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Gary Trent Jr. scored 37 points each to make up for the missing points.
Dame will try to pick himself up offensively on Sunday when the series resumes for Game 4.
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