Damian Lillard’s Milwaukee Bucks debut definitely lived up to all the hype — at least in the opening half. The seven-time All-Star played his first game as a Buck on Friday against the Philadelphia 76ers and Dame picked up right where he left off last season.
Based on his first-half explosion alone, it’s safe to say that it didn’t take Lillard long to get accustomed to his new team and his new home.
Damian Lillard’s First Half Eruption in Milwaukee Bucks Debut
Lillard played just 17 minutes in the opening half, but it was more than enough time for him to make a splash. He finished the first half of action with a game-high 21 points on 5-of-10 from the field. He was perfect from the charity stripe, making all nine of his attempts from the line (talk about early aggression), while also adding five rebounds, three assists, and zero turnovers.
Dame led the way for Milwaukee en route to a 63-54 lead over Philadelphia.
As expected, Dame had Bucks fans totally hyped:
Damian Lillard in the first half:
21 points
5 rebounds
3 assists pic.twitter.com/aiUfCuT7rS— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) October 27, 2023
TOP 5 PG DAME TIME
— Koviet (@Koviett) October 27, 2023
All the people that were calling him washed after preseason are in shambles
— IKD (@ESPNneedsIKD) October 27, 2023
The Bucks are Dames team now
— ali (@alij8h) October 27, 2023
he's taking over, might win MVP at this rate
— aymtech (@aymtechyt) October 27, 2023
DAME TIME, BABY! pic.twitter.com/5K1V8ukP6S
— aymtech (@aymtechyt) October 27, 2023
best PG in the league.
— Mo (@InigoGOAT) October 27, 2023
Lillard and the Bucks will need to keep their foot on the gas for the second half, though. Despite the fact that James Harden is a notable absentee for the Sixers in this one, you cannot underestimate the ability of reigning league MVP Joel Embiid and the rest of the 76ers.
Barring a second-half meltdown, though, it would probably be safe to say that Lillard’s Bucks debut was a smashing success.
I hope I don’t jink it.
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