Bucks need more from Damian Lillard, a lot more
Damian Lillard has the pressure of an organization on his shoulders. The Milwaukee Bucks are potentially without Giannis Antetokounmpo as they head into the postseason. He suffered a calf injury when playing against the Boston Celtics on Tuesday and is likely to miss the opening games of the playoffs. As such, Lillard will need to lead his team and be the star he was acquired to be.
Yet, during the Bucks' 113-88 loss to the Orlando Magic on Sunday, Lillard was anything but a star. He shot 2-of-14 from the field, made just two assists despite leading the team in touches while going 0-of-4 from deep. His saving grace was how often he got to the free-throw line (12-of-13 from the line). Lilllard finished with 16 points in the blowout loss.
Milwaukee finished the season as the third seed in the Eastern Conference. They will face the sixth-seeded Indiana Pacers in the first round of the playoffs. If Antetokounmpo can return to the rotation and be near his usual self, the Bucks should have enough to win their first-round series. If not, Lillard must prove he's still one of the best guards in the NBA. He will need to find another level. A level we've seldom seen since he made the move from Portland last summer.
The Bucks acquired Lillard to propel them back into championship contention. The two-man game between him and Antetokounmpo was supposed to be near unstoppable. However, that partnership has stuttered throughout the season. Bucks fans will be hoping Lillard and Giannis can figure things out during the playoffs, assuming they can navigate a difficult first-round matchup in which Antetokounmpo could potentially miss multiple games.
The Bucks came into the season as contenders. It's up to Lillard to keep them afloat until Giannis returns and takes his spot at the top of the table. If he's unable to do that, then it might be a second straight first-round exit for the Bucks and another blemish on Doc Rivers' recent playoff record.
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