“It’s Insane”: Giannis Antetokounmpo Left Baffled After Watching Lakers’ Treatment of Damian Lillard on Bucks Debut

The new-look Milwaukee Bucks faced off against the Lakers in a preseason game yesterday. It marked the official debut of Damian Lillard with his second franchise. It could not have been more perfect as everyone got to see the dynamic potential between the duo. And it gave the players the much needed confidence boost as they approach the regular season. 

During the game, LA employed an aggressive defensive strategy. They chose to double-team Lillard early in the game, and this caught the eye of his team mate, Giannis Antetokounmpo. 

Giannis Antetokounmpo was impressed by Damian Lillard

The Los Angeles Lakers, sans its star LeBron James, went down to the Bucks in a 108-97 home game. While the Greek Freak was happy with the result, he was also happy to see the Dame effect in person. After all, this is the first time Giannis is playing with a scoring threat as potent as Lillard. Notably, it was the 33-year-old point guard’s gravity that impressed Antetokounmpo.

He told the reporters in the post-game conference, “I’ve never seen someone double teamed on the 1st play of the game. It was a surprise. It’s a preseason game. Not a playoff game, not a regular season game, not an in-season tournament game… It’s insane.”

Giannis Antetokounmpo was the NBA’s Most Improved Player in 2017. Ever since, the majority of the offensive load, especially down the stretch, has fallen on the 2x MVP. This year however, he’s paired with Damian Lillard.

This is the first time that two players are joining forces after averaging 30 points each in the previous season. Yesterday, Giannis got his first look at the attention Dame draws on the perimeter.

While Lillard played just 22 minutes, and Giannis 15, this new super combo did show great potential to what can be done in the season. Lillard finished with 14 points on 3/10 shooting and Antetokounmpo led the team with 16 points and eight rebounds.

Read More: Taking Inspiration From Kobe Bryant and Tim Duncan, Giannis Antetokounmpo Makes Honest Confession About Bucks’ Future: “Winning Comes First”

Of course, just as Giannis was stunned by Dame, Lillard himself also commented on what he’s expecting from their partnership.

Will the Bucks become champions again?

Speaking of the potential in their pick and roll game, Lillard said, “It’s just different because it was like, that’s a cheat code.”

As evidenced, if Dame draws 2 players on himself and finds a slashing Giannis Antetokounmpo, there’s pretty much nothing that can be done. Whether it’s Lillard from 30 feet away or Giannis from inside the paint, the Bucks will have no problems scoring. 

And it seems Lakers HC Darvin Ham agrees. Immediately following the game, Ham sent out a message for the other 28 coaches in the NBA. He said, “Best of luck to everyone else, the other 28 teams besides from ourselves that have to figure out how to stop that. I’m just happy we only have to see them twice in the regular season.”

Watch this Story: “Outside of Steph Curry, Most Lethal PG in the NBA”: Stephen A Smith Sets Massive Expectations for Damian Lillard Following Bucks Move

It looks like Milwaukee made the right choice in going after Dame in what was the biggest blockbuster trade this off-season. As they prepare for their season opener on October 26 against Philadelphia, title hopes are justifiably mounting.

So do you think the Bucks will win again? Let us know!