There might be no celebration that’s recognized by NBA fans today more than Damian Lillard’s “Dame Time” wrist tap. But through the first 39 games of the season, his Milwaukee Bucks teammates had yet to see it in person—until they were treated to a moment that essentially defined “Dame Time” on Sunday night.
The Bucks trailed by four late in overtime, but a Brook Lopez three-pointer cut it to a one-point game. Then, after De’Aaron Fox made one of two free throws to give the Sacramento Kings a two-point lead with five seconds left in OT, the stage was set for Lillard to give his teammates what they’d asked for all season—the wrist tap.
DAMIAN LILLARD FOR THE WIN AT THE BUZZER! pic.twitter.com/VKTFal8Dxo
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) January 15, 2024
After the clutch shot, Lillard admitted his new Bucks teammates had asked about the celebration, seemingly waiting for the moment, as The Athletic’s Eric Nehm detailed.
“I’ve had a few moments, not any game winners, but I’ve had some big shots at the end of some games, and they [were] like, ‘Man, you didn’t even tap your wrist,’” Lillard said. “And I kept telling them, ‘Man, if you look over the course of my career, I didn’t just, every game, tapping my wrist. I was like, ‘I do it when it’s necessary.’ And tonight it was necessary.”
Considering star teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo sprinted toward Lillard while performing the “Dame Time” wrist tap, and the entire Bucks team was seen doing it as well, it’s safe to say this one has been a long time coming.
Damian Lillard’s teammates were doing the ‘Dame Time’ celebration after his game winner 😂⌚️
— ClutchPoints (@ClutchPoints) January 15, 2024
pic.twitter.com/YhgXI6UxS1
Lillard (29 points, eight assists) and Antetokounmpo (27 points, 10 rebounds, 10 assists and three steals) led the way for the Bucks in the 143–142 victory. Milwaukee also received strong performances from Malik Beasley (23 points, five assists, four rebounds), Bobby Portis (22 points, 10 rebounds) and Lopez (17 points, nine rebounds).
The Bucks remain within striking distance of the top spot in the Eastern Conference, trailing the Boston Celtics by 2 1/2 games. Milwaukee takes the court next at the Cleveland Cavaliers on Wednesday at 7:30 p.m. ET.
