Damian Lillard's homecoming to Portland was marked by a bittersweet outcome as his former team, the Trail Blazers, emerged victorious against the Milwaukee Bucks with a score of 119-116. Anfernee Simons played a pivotal role in the Blazers' win, contributing 24 points, including a crucial floater in the final 17.1 seconds of the game.
For Lillard, it was his first game in Portland since being traded to the Bucks in the offseason. As the face of the Blazers' franchise for 11 seasons, Lillard had established himself as a beloved figure within the organization and the city. The night was filled with tributes and a lengthy ovation for the eight-time All-Star player, with heartfelt moments that even brought him to tears.
Simons expressed his satisfaction with the team's performance, stating, 'We came in here like we've got stuff we want to accomplish as well. We came in wanting to win the game.' Head coach Chauncey Billups praised the young Blazers for their resilience and character, labeling the victory as a significant moment for the team's culture.
The Blazers fought hard throughout the game, with a narrow lead at halftime and continued competitiveness in the third quarter. A pivotal moment came when Matisse Thybulle's 3-pointer gave Portland an 86-81 lead. Simons' jumper extended the lead to 96-61 entering the final quarter.
Although the Bucks applied pressure in the closing stages, including a 3-pointer by Malcolm Brogdon that brought them within ten points, the Blazers remained composed. Lillard's contributions, along with Giannis Antetokounmpo's 27 points and eight rebounds, drove the Bucks' efforts, but it wasn't enough to secure the win.
Simons' floater with 17.1 seconds left swung the momentum back in Portland's favor, and despite Antetokounmpo's alley-oop dunk from Lillard, the Blazers held on to secure the win. With eight seconds remaining, Brook Lopez missed a crucial three-pointer, allowing Jerami Grant to seal the deal with successful free throws. In the final seconds, Antetokounmpo had an opportunity to tie the game but missed both free throws, granting the Blazers a hard-fought victory.
The win was significant for the Blazers, who have won two straight games, showcasing their ability to develop young talent in Lillard's absence. Deandre Ayton contributed 20 points and 11 rebounds to solidify the team's success.
While Lillard had hoped to come back to Portland and prove himself against his former team, he acknowledged the challenging nature of such games. 'These games are tough games. The home teams want to beat the guy coming back. You could see it in their jubilation over the game,' remarked Doc Rivers, the new coach of the Bucks.
Despite the loss, Lillard appreciated the emotional and meaningful nature of the game, emphasizing its entertainment value. The encounter between the Blazers and the Bucks held additional significance due to Lillard's move to Milwaukee, where he hopes to team up with Antetokounmpo and contend for another NBA championship, following the Bucks' triumph in 2021.
As the Blazers prepare for their next challenge, facing the Denver Nuggets, they can reflect on this victory as a testament to their growth and determination. Meanwhile, the Bucks will look to bounce back from their recent two-game losing streak when they visit the Dallas Mavericks.
