Giannis Antetokounmpo is one of the best players in his position in the league. The Greek-born star nicknamed “Greek Freak” led the Milwaukee Bucks to a championship back in 2021. The team has always fantasized about a partner that will blend perfectly with Giannis to stir them to another championship.
With Damian Lillard’s three-team blockbuster trade, the Bucks have now landed the apt partner for Antetokounmpo. In just a few preseason games, Lillard has clearly acknowledged the ability of his teammate Giannis to secure the Bucks the much-needed victories.
Lillard said Giannis can overwhelm a game and win it for his team
Following Damian Lillard’s trade to the Bucks in September, the Bucks are looking more dangerous. The Giannis and Lillard played impressively in a preseason game against the Lakers led by Anthony Davis. Damian Lillard appeared to enjoy every moment of it as they secured the Bucks’ first win. Lillard had high praise for his teammate when he stated how he feels like after playing with Giannis.
Damian said, “He can dominate a game and win you a game….The first couple of plays of the game, they trap me, and the guy that I’m releasing the ball to is Giannis. We can do this all night.”
Damian Lillard’s statement has proven that he was really waiting for his partnership with Giannis in the Bucks. Just last year, Lillard expressed his interest in playing with Giannis when he chose him when asked in a GQ interview. He was asked, “If you were to pick a player that would help you win a championship. Who would you pick?”
Damian Lillard, a former Portland Trail Blazer star who made the Western Conference Finals in 2018 – 2019, has finally achieved his dream of playing alongside Giannis Antetokounmpo who wanted the Bucks to get him someone to help him secure another championship. However, it seems like their expectations have been met already.
Exploring Giannis-Damian duo
Giannis and Lillard playing in the same team had long been predicted by many to be lethal for the Bucks. This was proven when the duo played against the Lakers and they secured their team victory while showcasing their combined talents. Giannis notched 16 points, and 8 rebounds on 15 minutes of play for the Bucks. Damian Lillard, on the other hand, notched 14 points, and 3 assists on a limited 22 minutes of playing time. Their combined efforts were able to secure their team a win with a 108 – 97 scoreline.
Giannis expressed his joy of playing alongside Lillard, “It’s a blessing to have the opportunity to play with a guy that is built from the same cloth as you. A guy that is a killer (as a basketball player)”, as reported by Andscape.
Now the Giannis and Lillard duo looks promising, just like everyone has predicted in the league, including Shaq who even compared them to his duo with Kobe Bryant. The NBA fans will have their eyes busy once the season starts.
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