In a chat with the media ahead of Game 1 on Sunday, Bucks star Damian Lillard finally addressed the rumors of his misery with the Bucks. Contrary to recent reporting, Lillard says he's content with his situation on the court and confirmed that ongoing family drama is to blame for his lack of focus this season.
“I don’t get too carried away with it," said Lillard via I saw somebody say ‘Dame’s not happy in Milwaukee’ or something like that and I know the truth, I love the situation that I’m in, I also know what I have going on outside of basketball that kinda drains me at times, so people going to make comments, people going to say things and if it doesn’t go the way they say nobody is ever come to them and said ‘alright you said alright you said this now what do you have to say about it’ they’re never held accountable for what they say publicly.”
Lillard's arrival was met with great excitement from Bucks fans and they welcomed their new point guard with open arms in hopes of watching a championship run play out this season. But from the opening jump, Lillard has not been the same guy he was in Portland. This season, through 73 games, Damian averaged 24.3 points, 7.0 assists, and 4.4 rebounds per game on just 42.4% shooting.
As a team, the Bucks have suffered greatly waiting for Lillard to re-discover his game and some believe they should consider trading him this offseason. With a record of 49-33, the Bucks finished 3rd in the East and were considered a massive disappointment. Even worse, with the health of Giannis Antetokounmpo compromised, Milwaukee may have to be without their main superstar for a few games in the first round and it will put more pressure than ever on Lillard to step up and become the hero for the Bucks.
Bucks Are In Danger Of A Massive Upset Against Indiana Pacers
As the third seed in the East, the Bucks will have home-court advantage in the first round but their opponent will not be an easy out and it's a team they know all too well: the Indiana Pacers.
During several meetings in the regular season and playoffs, the Pacers gave the Bucks a really hard time. Indiana is 4-1 against Giannis' team, dating back to their first meeting back on November 9th. Led by star point guard Tyrese Haliburton, the Pacers averaged nearly 130 points per game against Milwaukee and they completely outpaced the Bucks offensively.
This series is far from ideal for the Bucks and many experts are predicting a swift first-round exit. Besides the star potential of Haliburton, the presence of Pascal Siakam is sure to make a difference in the matchup, and he's a player who will strengthen their versatility on defense.
If Giannis can return, and he's mostly almost full strength, the Bucks are not going to go down easy. But whether Giannis is there or not, Milwaukee will need Damian Lillard to play like a star if they want any hope of making a deep run this year. Game 1 on Sunday will be the last chance for him to validate his trade last summer and prove once and for all that he's a winning player in the NBA.
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