For a competitor like Damian Lillard, getting eliminated in the postseason must have sting like hell. But according to the Milwaukee Bucks All-Star guard, staying at home and seeing how the remaining NBA Playoff games unfold is still painful.
During the previous offseason, Milwaukee acquired Lillard from the Portland Trail Blazers in a three-team deal with the Phoenix Suns. In exchange, the Bucks traded Jrue Holiday, Grayson Allen, and several draft picks to give Giannis Antetokounmpo a reliable shot creator, especially in late-game scenarios.
Over the course of 73 games during the regular season, Lillard averaged 24.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 7.0 assists. Even though the front office let Adrian Griffin go and hired Doc Rivers as his replacement, the former Rookie of the Year was able to help Milwaukee reach the playoffs this year.
Unfortunately, the Greek Freak was unable to play due to a strained calf. As a result, Lillard had to led Milwaukee against the Indiana Pacers in the first round. However, the Bucks’ starting point guard also suffered an injury of his own, making him miss three of the six games of the series. As a result, they were knocked out earlier than anticipated.
Milwaukee Bucks Star Damian Lillard Admits Pain Over Watching Remainder Of This Year’s NBA Playoffs
Unlike in previous years, both Lillard and the Bucks won’t be playing deep in the playoffs. The former, though, has a deeper reason to his pain, as seen in a video shared by NBA on TNT’s official X account.
“Somebody gonna win their first one so that’s always hard to be on the outside looking in.” @Dame_Lillard joins the WCF Altcast with @mrvincecarter15, @bomani_jones, @jordancornette and @ChrisBHaynes on TruTV pic.twitter.com/M66vmUTiXv
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) May 23, 2024
As it stands, the stars from all remaining teams in both Conference Finals haven’t won a ring yet, such as Jayson Tatum, Anthony Edwards, Luka Doncic, and Tyrese Haliburton. Of the four squads, only the Boston Celtics have reached the NBA Finals before.
It remains to be seen which of the remaining franchises will go down as this year’s champion. One thing is for sure, though. Lillard won’t feel good knowing someone else won a ring before him, even though he has been in the league longer.
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