Doc Rivers heaps praise on 'prizefighter' Damian Lillard
Damian Lillard led the Milwaukee Bucks to a win in their opening game of the playoffs. The veteran guard was tasked with leading the line for Doc Rivers' team as it continued to navigate life without the injured Giannis Antetokounmpo. Lillard ended the contest with 35 points on an efficient 11-of-24 shooting.
When speaking to the media as part of his postgame news conference, Rivers praised his All-Star.
"He carried us," Rivers said. "He was unbelievable. I thought he played under control but was very aggressive, which is the way we wanted him...His confidence is unshakeable. He loves boxing, that's where we kind of connect...He's got that prizefighter mentality, it's almost like he's training for the fight. When the bell rings, he's ready for the fight. That's his mentality. That's how he plays."
This was the type of performance the Bucks were hoping for when they acquired Lillard during the offseason. His ability to take control of a game and dominate as the lead ball-handler is what makes him such a fearsome weapon on the offensive end. Without Giannis in the rotation, Milwaukee put all its chips on Lillard and he repaid that faith with a stellar showing.
Nevertheless, this was just one game. Milwaukee still has to overcome a young and hungry Indiana Pacers team. The series potentially has six more matchups left between these two squads, so Lillard must continue to perform at the level he displayed on Sunday.
Of course, once Giannis returns to the rotation, the question will be whether Lillard can continue being a dominant force, or whether he struggles as the second option behind his All-NBA teammate. That question will eventually be answered. For now, though, Lillard is proving he's still an All-Star-caliber player, and that he's good enough to be a vital cog in the Bucks push for a championship.
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