Damian Lillard Shines as Bucks Defeat Suns without Giannis: A Masterclass in Playmaking
The Milwaukee Bucks were faced with a challenge when their star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, was scratched from the lineup just 40 minutes before their game against the Phoenix Suns. With Antetokounmpo out, the Bucks needed to find a different way to score efficiently. Head coach Doc Rivers had a simple blueprint in mind: rely on Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis, and Damian Lillard to lead the offensive effort.
The trio of Middleton, Portis, and Lillard did not disappoint. They led the Bucks to a 140-129 victory over the Suns, marking the team’s highest-scoring game under Rivers’ coaching. Lillard had a standout performance, tallying 31 points, four rebounds, and a franchise-record 16 assists. His playmaking skills were on full display, as he orchestrated the offense and created scoring opportunities for his teammates.
While Lillard is known for his scoring prowess, he revealed that recording high assist totals is often a result of his mindset as a scorer. He attacks to score, and when the defense collapses on him, he makes the right pass to find open teammates. The Suns made it a priority to send help defenders when Lillard attacked, which opened up opportunities for his teammates to score.
Lillard’s pick-and-roll partnership with Portis was particularly effective. With Portis on the floor, Lillard leveraged his off-the-dribble threat as a scorer and created open shots for Portis. The Suns started showing even more help in the first quarter, leaving Patrick Beverley alone on the right wing. Lillard drew attention from multiple defenders and made the right pass, leading to open shots for his teammates.
Lillard’s unselfishness as a playmaker helped Portis find an early rhythm in the game. Portis scored 25 points in just 13 first-half minutes, playing a crucial role in building the Bucks’ halftime lead. Middleton, who returned to action after missing 16 games due to injury, also made a significant impact. Despite being on a minutes restriction, Middleton looked like himself and displayed composure and intelligence on the court.
With Lillard and Middleton running the show, the ball kept moving throughout the game, resulting in a season-high 24 3-pointers for the Bucks as a team. The trio of Lillard, Portis, and Middleton outscored the Suns’ star trio of Devin Booker, Bradley Beal, and Kevin Durant by 22 points.
The absence of Antetokounmpo did not deter the Bucks from stepping up and winning the game. Coach Rivers assured that there is no long-term concern regarding Antetokounmpo’s hamstring tendinopathy and saw this game as an opportunity to give him some rest. With five days off before their next game against the Boston Celtics, the Bucks were able to secure a victory without losing any ground in the standings.
In conclusion, Damian Lillard’s masterclass in playmaking propelled the Milwaukee Bucks to a victory over the Phoenix Suns. His scoring mindset combined with his ability to find open teammates created numerous scoring opportunities for the team. Alongside Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis, Lillard showcased his skills as a playmaker and led the Bucks to their highest-scoring game under Coach Rivers. Despite the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo, the team rallied together and secured an impressive win.