Giannis Antetokounmpo and the Milwaukee Bucks came up big on Monday night as they secured an important win against the Brooklyn Nets at the Barclays Center, 129-125.
This was Milwaukee’s first road game of the new season and it was definitely great to see their cornerstone superstar lead the way with a vintage performance.
Damian Lillard Sounds Off on Giannis’ Key Role for Milwaukee Bucks
Giannis flexed his dominance on both ends of the floor against the Nets. The former back-to-back MVP finished with a season-high 36 points on 15-of-27 shooting. On the opposite side of the floor, Antetokounmpo secured 10 of his 12 rebounds on the defensive end, while also coming up with a steal, and two crucial blocks down the stretch to close out the game.
After the game, Damian Lillard was asked to share his thoughts on his superstar teammates’ ability to impact the game on both ends. Dame had nothing but praise for Giannis as Lillard talked up Antetokounmpo’s elite versatility:
“It’s extremely important,” Lillard said. “Anytime you got a guy who’s so versatile, obviously defensively, but offensively, he’s setting screens, and now he’s coming downhill, he’s obviously able to finish with contact. But he also can see the floor and see those passes. Guys get quality shots with him in the middle of the defense. It’s definitely to our benefit to have that type of lineup and that type of weapon to be in those situations.”
Lillard is now witnessing first-hand just how dominant Giannis can be on both sides of the ball. It’s an absolute marvel to see, and Dame is obviously going to do everything he can to benefit from the same.
Lillard finished with 21 points against the Nets on an inefficient 5-of-15 shooting. He did add six rebounds, seven assists, a steal, and two three-pointers.
So long as Giannis keeps on playing like this, Dame will have no shortage of opportunities with the Bucks. It’s only a matter of time before Lillard goes off on one of his trademark hot streaks.
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