When Damian Lillard joined Giannis Antetokounmpo, and the Milwaukee Bucks in 2023, fans were buzzing with excitement. The combo looked deadly-envisioned as an unstoppable offensive force capable of leading the Bucks to an NBA championship. Two big-time stars hungry for another shot at the title. But reality didn’t quite match the hype. Despite finishing third in the East with 49 wins, the Bucks crashed out early in the playoffs, losing to the sixth-seed Pacers in the first round. A full offseason to reset felt like the perfect chance to figure things out.
Still, things didn’t exactly click. Back in October, Giannis had already dropped a truth bomb about the duo’s growing pains. “We never had a player like him… it’s definitely hard when I’m 29 and he’s 34 at this moment of our careers to kind of change the habits you’ve created,” he explained. This early admission highlighted that the integration of two ball-dominant stars was proving more challenging than initially anticipated. The adjustment clearly wasn’t smooth. Their offense struggled to find rhythm, and things bottomed out during a rough 104-93 loss to the Warriors—not the kind of result you’d expect from a supposed super team.
Meanwhile, another curveball hit. Lillard’s been sidelined since March 25 with deep vein thrombosis. But there’s been some surprising optimism coming from none other than Charles Barkley. During the latest NBA on TNT episode, Shaq asked him, “Chuck if you’re going to make [Lillard] rather play the Pistons or the Bucks?” Charles Barkley, without hesitation, called it “a great question.”
Then came the kicker: “It depends on Dame Lillard. I’d probably rather play the Bucs without Dame Lillard.” Chuck further said, “You know what you know what else is interesting about this Bucs and Pistons. They finish the season with two games against each other. On Friday in Detroit Sunday in Milwaukee..”
Jun 12, 2024; Dallas, Texas, USA; NBA TV analyst Charles Barkley talks on set before game three of the 2024 NBA Finals between the Boston Celtics and the Dallas Mavericks at American Airlines Center. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
So, could this be Charles Barkley subtly hinting at Dame’s return in one of those games? Maybe. Maybe not. But we won’t have to wait long to find out.
Did Giannis Antetokounmpo got better without Damian Lillard on the floor?
Well, it’s hard to argue with the numbers. Without Damian Lillard, the Bucks are suddenly red-hot, riding a 5-game win streak. In contrast, with Lillard in the lineup, while they secured a respectable number of wins, their dominance often felt inconsistent. Giannis Antetokounmpo? He’s on another level. The Greek Freak just picked up his third straight triple-double in their recent win over the Timberwolves—dropping 23 points, 13 boards, and 10 dimes. That’s 40 assists with only five turnovers in the last few outings. A reporter even asked the obvious: “You haven’t had the turnovers that might go along with a high assist total with having the ball in your hands that much?”
To which Giannis replied with full honesty: “I feel like when I have the ball, I’m more poised because I have the ball more, you know?” He went on to explain that when playing alongside Lillard, decisions have to be rushed because defenses collapse on Dame. But now? With more control and less pressure, the two-time MVP is finding a groove, and it’s showing.
Naturally, running the floor solo comes with its own challenges. Yet, Giannis isn’t just handling it—he’s thriving. “Now they’re off me for a second… but, like, when I have the ball, I think I feel more poised. I get to my spot easier,” he shared, breaking down the new rhythm he’s built.
In fact, he’s embracing the full point-forward role. “It might be assist… hockey assist… or a pass that creates an advantage,” Giannis added, painting a picture of unselfish, smart basketball.
And just as things click on the court, Bobby Portis Jr. returns. “He’s a player who plays hard. He’s a player who can make shots,” said Giannis. But the last word? That goes to the fans—he made sure to thank them for riding with the Bucks through thick and thin.
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