The Milwaukee Bucks are off to a 3-0 start to open their 2024 NBA Cup campaign after securing a 106-103 win over the Miami Heat last Tuesday to retain the top spot in East Group B. The Doc Rivers-coached squad is now 9-9 on the season, marking the first time since October 27 that Milwaukee have a .500 record.
Giannis Antetokounmpo was sidelined due to a calf injury, but Damian Lillard had a solid all-around performance to carry the Milwaukee Bucks.
After dropping 25 points in the first half, the Miami Heat attempted to force the ball out of Damian Lillard’s hands, but the 34-year-old floor general found his teammates, who hit the big shots down the stretch.
The eight-time NBA All-Star recorded 37 points, three rebounds, 12 assists, one block, and one steal across 38 minutes of play. Damian Lillard has now tallied a double-double in four of his last five outings.
Damian Lillard received praise from the Milwaukee Bucks
Damian Lillard has been looking like his old self in the past few games, and Brook Lopez can’t help but be in awe of his point guard.
“He was clearly locked in, and it definitely gave everyone something to follow,” Lopez said about Lillard via The Athletic’s Eric Nehm. “He was such a great leader out there, and we all played off him.”
“He’s so fun to watch. I just get to the dunker (spot), and then I’m pretty much on the baseline, front-row seats, just watching. All I need is popcorn. It’s amazing,” he added.
The Milwaukee Bucks will have a few more days before they host the Washington Wizards. This should give Damian Lillard enough time to recover and (maybe) produce another otherworldly performance.
