© Kiyoshi Mio-USA TODAY Sports
"When a guy like that is yelling for the ball, you gotta give it to him" – Giannis Antetokounmpo on Damian Lillard demanding the ball in crunch time
Milwaukee Bucks superstar guard Damian Lillard has earned a lofty reputation for being one of the NBA’s pre-eminent closers, someone you hand the ball to when the game is on the line.
His clutch performances have become legendary, almost a given when watching him play. So, when Lillard called for the rock late in the game against the Los Angeles Clippers, the Bucks’ other superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo, was more than happy to oblige.
Dame was practically begging for the ball
The Bucks were clinging to a 116-109 lead after Lillard canned a triple and three free throws. Clearly feeling it, Dame passed the ball to Giannis on the left wing and immediately sprinted toward the “Greek Freak,” screaming for the ball. At that point, Giannis knew what to do.
“Dame wanted the ball,” Giannis said of that play.
“He was yelling, ‘Ball! Ball! Ball! Ball!’ When a guy like that is yelling for the ball, you gotta give it to him.”
As Lillard received the rock, he quickly pulled up and shot a triple over the outstretched arms of Clippers defenders Norman Powell and Terrance Mann. The ball found nothing but the bottom of the net, giving Milwaukee a 119-109 lead with only 1:19 left.
An all-time great, making a big shot
Lillard’s spectacular triple was part of his 16-point explosion in the fourth, part of a 35-point, 11-assist performance that underscored his growing confidence in his partnership with Giannis.
“I think we’re just, first of all, having a lot more dialogue about what I need from him, and he’s telling me what he needs for me. And I think our understanding is getting much better. And because of that, I’m able to get to certain spots, and I’m using him against the defense and vice versa,” Lillard said.
As for Antetokounmpo, he said he did not doubt that Lillard would come through in the clutch.
“I saw him coming full speed, and I just gave him the ball and … all-time great,” Giannis shared.
“He did what he did, man. Tough off-balance shot made it and gave us momentum. And I think from that play, we won the game. It won us the game.”
