As the season progresses, Giannis Antetokounmpo acknowledges that he’s still learning Damian Lillard’s habits.
It can be difficult to learn how to play with another All-Star, particularly one as exceptional and gifted as Damian Lillard. Despite playing with Damian Lillard for more than 50 games, two-time MVP and league dominant player Giannis Antetokounmpo recently acknowledged that he is still picking up on the subtleties of Lillard’s game.
Not as easy as many believe
From an external perspective, Giannis and Lillard’s two-man game has the potential to be nearly unbeatable. Giannis’ power and incredible athleticism in the paint, combined with Lillard’s exceptional shooting and shot creation, make this appear like a match made in basketball heaven. However, as Antetokounmpo clarifies, there’s a lot more to it than meets the eye.
“It needs to be natural,” Giannis declared.
“It can’t be as simple as giving the ball to Dame. It was set by Giannis. It’s going to function. That is not how it operates. Guys have to be moving and kept busy while we are functioning. The load men are kept busy when the lads have to switch locations during the pick and roll. Brook has to dive while this is going on. Someone needs to go for the offensive rebound while this is going on. That’s just the way it operates.”
Lillard is still getting used to life in his first Bucks season.
Legends were made of Dame’s offensive exploits during his tenure in Portland. In his first season with the Bucks, “Dame Time” has yet to produce many offensive fireworks, yet still putting up outstanding stats of 24.6 points and 6.7 assists per game.
Lillard is becoming comfortable in a new role and system while he learns how to contribute to the Bucks’ offensive plan. These days, it’s more about the team coming together to generate scoring opportunities rather than him bearing the entire weight. Lillard’s shooting percentages, however, show how difficult it has been for him. He is only making 42% of his shots from the field, including 34% from beyond the arc.
Giannis stated one.
“One of the things that I see, when I rebound, early in transition, throwing the ball ahead to Dame, it allows him to operate at a high level,” Giannis stated.
“From threes, from passing the ball, from and-ones, and from entering the paint. It’s incredibly beneficial for him when you toss the ball forward and let him run, like when they’re loading up. It’s excellent beyond belief. I also make an effort to put up as many displays as I can so that he can function.”
