Before the Milwaukee Bucks slid to a fifth straight loss in the 2025 to 2026 regular season with the Portland Trailblazers taking a 115 – 103 win, fans witnessed a warm reunion between Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two All Stars caught up on the floor for the first time since Lillard’s unexpected exit from Milwaukee over the summer.
Giannis and Dame pregame. 🤝 pic.twitter.com/NXJzqhzmaw
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) November 24, 2025
The Bucks shared the moment on their social platforms after capturing it on video. Antetokounmpo made his way over during pregame work to connect with Lillard, who was seated on the bench with assistant coach Vin Baker and Giannis’ brother Thanasis. They exchanged a few warm words and smiles, offering fans a small glimpse of the connection they developed during their brief run together.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard with the Bucks
The two stars were teammates until this past offseason, when Milwaukee chose to part ways with Lillard by waiving and stretching his contract. That decision cleared the flexibility the front office needed to sign free agent center Myles Turner, who left the Indiana Pacers to join the Bucks. Lillard then made his way back to Portland on a three year deal worth $42 million.
The two seasons Lillard and Antetokounmpo shared in Milwaukee never fully lived up to the excitement that surrounded their pairing. Injuries and uneven stretches of play constantly disrupted the partnership, and although the Bucks reached the postseason both years, they fell to the Pacers in the opening round each time. The 2025 playoff exit stung even more because Lillard went down with an Achilles injury during the series, cutting short any chance for the duo to change the narrative.
The former Bucks duo’s season so far
That injury kept Lillard out for the entire 2025 to 2026 season, and there has been no indication that he might come back sooner than expected. His absence has only increased the challenges the Trail Blazers are trying to manage. Portland is sitting in ninth place in the Western Conference with a 7 and 10 record, and the team is also without head coach Chauncey Billups, who remains away indefinitely while he deals with federal charges tied to illegal gambling.
Antetokounmpo’s season has taken some rough turns of its own, as he missed the matchup with the Blazers while he works his way back from a groin injury. Even with the interruption, he has been every bit the dominant force the Bucks need. Through his first 13 appearances, he has delivered 31.2 points, 10.8 rebounds, 6.8 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game, reminding everyone that his impact remains enormous whenever he is on the floor.
Even with both players dealing with injuries, it was heartening to witness the genuine respect and camaraderie they shared in this moment. It also underscores the lasting bond Lillard maintains with members of the Bucks organization and the affection he still holds for his former teammates.
