"I think it's getting much better" - Damian Lillard on his on-court chemistry with Giannis Antetokounmpo
Superstar partnerships don’t always come easy in the NBA. With two alpha personalities and different play styles, it can take time for players to gel on the court. But for the Milwaukee Bucks’ Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, their chemistry seems to be improving with each passing game. Lillard recently spoke about his on-court rapport with Antetokounmpo, saying, “I think it’s getting much better.”
Chemistry won’t happen overnight
Lillard and Giannis have played more than 60 games together for the Bucks this season, but it’s clear that their partnership has taken some time to develop. As two of the league’s top players, both harbor a desire to make an impact on the court. But as they become more familiar with each other’s playing styles and tendencies, they are finding ways to complement each other and elevate their game.
“To start the season, I think a lot of people wanted it to just click and happen right away. But I think any time you put two guys together who have always been the decision-maker, always had their hands on the ball for years and years and years, it’s going to take time for us to learn how to play with each other,” Lillard shared.
Their synergy on the floor was never more evident than late in the game. With the Clippers not going away easily, Giannis and Lillard connived on two plays that ended up in three-pointers for the latter to put their opponents away.
Been working on their on-court partnership a lot
For his part, Giannis shared that he and Lillard have been working on their partnership on the court all season long. With both players being established superstars in the league, it can be easy for egos to get in the way. However, Antetokounmpo and Dame have shown that they are willing to put aside their individual accomplishments for the team's greater good.
“It’s how we work in practice,” Giannis said.
“We got a lot of good shots down the stretch. Tonight, it worked, and it’s something we’re going to have to do moving forward.”
