The Milwaukee Bucks boasted two NBA All-Star starters for the 2024 annual contest, this time a return to the classic East versus West format. And now they can boast two All-Star Game MVP’s on their roster. Giannis Antetokounmpo took home the award in the 2020-21 NBA All-Star Game, but tonight it was his teammate, Damian Lillard, who took home the honor after a blistering 39-point performance.
The game itself was the highest-scoring All-Star Game in NBA history, with the East winning 211-186. Karl Anthony-Towns led all scorers with 50 points for the West. Giannis Antetokounmpo had 23 points, seven rebounds, and one assist.
Lillard won the award over Indiana Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, an Oshkosh, Wisconsin native. Due to the game being played in Indianapolis, the announcement that Lillard won the award was met by a chorus of boos from the crowd. Haliburton finished the night with 32 points on 11/15 shooting (10/14 from three), seven rebounds, and six assists.
The reactions on social media were rather mixed.
Milwaukee Bucks Fans React to Damian Lillard Winning the All-Star MVP Award
As one might have assumed, Bucks fans were estactic to see Lillard win the All-Star Game MVP. Despite the reactions of the crowd, he certainly deserved it, scoring 39 points on 14/26 shooting (11/23 from three) to go with three rebounds and six assists.
I want you to put the word out there that we back up. #FearTheDeer pic.twitter.com/Oe2wCNVgI1
— P (@PPFleegrr_87) February 19, 2024
Dame eliminated Hali from the 3-point contest and then stole the MVP from him in his own building. Absolutely love to see it.
— Nathan Marzion (@nathanmarzion) February 19, 2024
Dame walked into Haliburtons crib and took all of his awards 😭😭😭
— Jonathan Gauthier (@jgauthier_23) February 19, 2024
Winning the 3 point contest and likely all-star MVP – I’m hoping this is exactly what Dame needed. This is the Dame everyone has been waiting for all season. If the Bucks get this Dame with Giannis playing the way he is, everything is still possible.
— Andy Herman (@AndyHermanNFL) February 19, 2024
Dame said “I don’t got it anymore” a few days ago and then proceeded to win the 3pt contest and ASG MVP
We’re so back😭 pic.twitter.com/uy5hmp34eb
— 🥤 (@34for2) February 19, 2024
Dame goes into Indy and wins the MVP over Haliburton to the anger of Indy fans. This is beautiful 😂 pic.twitter.com/zRz3yYOJqd
— Justin Wills (@itsjwills) February 19, 2024
NBA Fan Reactions to Milwaukee Bucks Star Damian Lillard Winning All-Star Game MVP Were Mixed
As mentioned, the Indianapolis crowd was not too happy that Lillard won the MVP Award over Haliburton. The reactions of NBA fans in general on social media were mixed:
haliburton stole the game ball so dame stole the all-star MVP from him in his hometown. bucks-pacers rivalry is alive and well
— Molly Morrison (@mollyhannahm) February 19, 2024
So Dame won the 3 point contest & the ASG MVP but come Thursday we gone be sweating 19.5 points or 2.5 threes smh 🤦🏾♂️
— J Vandy (@vanderbilt34) February 19, 2024
Dame getting booed for his All-Star MVP in Indianapolis is pretty funny stuff.
— Alex Golden (@AlexGoldenNBA) February 19, 2024
This is a cold ass All Star MVP win for Dame, snatched Haliburton’s chain in Indiana as a Bucks player. Respect https://t.co/qVW9vdpQhL
— Russ’ TD ⚡ (@RussFcb) February 19, 2024
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