For the first time in his career, Milwaukee Bucks superstar Damian Lillard faced off against the Portland Trail Blazers as an opposing player. The seven-time All-Star had represented the Bucks for 11 memorable years prior to his summer move to Milwaukee, which is why it comes as no surprise that there were a lot of emotions riding on Sunday’s matchup.
Milwaukee Bucks’ Damian Lillard Vocal Speaks Out on Facing Former Team
After helping the Bucks secure a 108-102 win, Lillard admitted that he considered paying his former teammates a visit in the opposing locker room. Dame also revealed that it was definitely “weird” being on the opposite side of the fence:
“Once I walked in, I saw a lot of familiar faces,” he said. “I thought about going to the Blazers locker room for a second but I was like, ‘Man, this is a little bit different.’
“And then when we got on the court I saw everybody. It was a weird feeling. But once we started playing I kinda got over it quick.”
As expected, though, all the emotions were set aside once the game tipped off. Lillard did all he could to take down the Blazers, which resulted in another commendable performance from the seven-time All-NBA guard.
“Just like before, I didn’t think it would be a big thing or a crazy thing, and it wasn’t,” he continued. “I spoke to everybody, and one we started playing, it obviously wasn’t friendly. They jumped out and got a big lead on us. I’m just happy to be able to get the win.”
#Bucks Damian Lillard on facing his former team: "It was a weird feeling. … Once we started playing it obviously wasn't friendly." #FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/Dw4yjYmlOq
— Bally Sports Wisconsin (@BallySportWI) November 26, 2023
Dame finished the game with 31 points on 7-of-21 from the field, which included 4-of-12 from beyond the arc. He also logged five boards, four assists, two steals, and three turnovers, while also going an efficient 13-of-14 from the line.
Thanks to Dame’s strong play, the Bucks mounted the biggest comeback of the season. They went all the way back from 26 points down, proving once again that Milwaukee is not the type to waive the white flag.
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