Damian Lillard Milwaukee Bucks debut, team with Giannis Antetokounmpo, highlights, stats, video

Damian Lillard made a triumphant NBA preseason debut for the Milwaukee Bucks, combining well with Giannis Antetokounmpo in a 108-97 road victory over the Los Angeles Lakers.

Lillard, a seven-time All-Star guard traded from Portland to the Bucks last month, scored 14 points with three steals, three assists and two rebounds in 22 minutes on the court.

The 33-year-old Tokyo Olympic gold medalist made 3 of 10 shots from the floor, 2 of 7 from 3-point range and made all six of his free throws.

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“I felt good. It’s always a little rusty at the beginning but the game was very simple,” Lillard said.

“It was about catching my breath, just getting into the rhythm. They attacked me at first, so that woke me up. It was just good to be back on the field.

Greek superstar center Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 16 points and eight rebounds in just over 15 minutes on the court and meshed well with new teammate Lillard in the first game between two of the NBA’s top five scorers. last season, each scoring more than 31. points a game.

“I’ve been on the court with them quite a bit over the last couple of weeks, so I feel comfortable,” Lillard said of working with his new teammates.

“I think my game complements the guys’ game really well, so everything went smoothly. It wasn’t difficult at all. Now it’s just about being able to play other teams and getting used to each other and knowing how we’re going to operate there.

Antetokounnmpo was pleased with the amount of space he had, especially after Lillard was double-teamed on the first tip.

“I’ve never seen anyone get double-teamed on the first play of the game. It was a surprise. It’s a pre-season game. Not a playoff game, not a regular season game, not an in-season tournament game… It’s insane,” he said.

The Lakers, playing without superstar LeBron James, were led by 16 points and seven rebounds from Anthony Davis.

Lillard was happy that he was able to play a comfortable, familiar game despite new teammates and limited minutes.

“I made the same plays I always make,” he said. “I relax the defense. I make the right plays, then I find my places and I become aggressive at certain moments of the match. That’s what I did this evening.

“Shorter minutes. First match here. I felt good. We’re just going to continue to build on that.

It helped that many of the Bucks’ offensive schemes were the same ones used by Milwaukee assistant coach Terry Stotts when he was head coach at Portland from 2012 to 2021, when Lillard played for the Trail Blazers.

“A lot of what we do offensively is what I did with him for nine years, so it’s been pretty easy as far as this adjustment,” Lillard said.

Lillard said his goal heading into the Bucks’ 2023-24 season opener Oct. 26 at home against Philadelphia is steady improvement.

“Just to keep building,” Lillard said. “I think it’s just one step at a time, enjoy the process, go in and keep building and keep building throughout the season. That’s all we can control.

Lillard and Antetokounmpo are building chemistry that Milwaukee fans hope can produce a second NBA crown in four seasons.

“It’s been very strong,” Lillard said of his bond with the Bucks big man. “It was easy. I don’t think I did, and I don’t think he did either, trying so hard to piece it all together.

“I think our personalities mesh well. Our playing styles mesh well. Everything else happened organically over time and we need to allow that space to happen.

NBA Scores

Thunder 115, Hornets 117

Grizzlies 124, Heat 132

Cairns Taipans 93, Raptors 134

Bucks 108, Lakers 97

Bulls 102, Nuggets 116

Warriors 121, Kings 115 (OT)