Bucks Zone

Damian Lillard laments being too loose with the basketball against the Atlanta Hawks

Damian Lillard knows he’s gotta be better moving forward.
Jonas Panerio|
© Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

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Milwaukee Bucks

As terrific as the Milwaukee Bucks’ season debut was, the encore left a lot to be desired, especially in the turnover department. While nobody really thought everything would go without a hitch in Milwaukee’s second game of the year, the Bucks’ disconnect was apparent as they committed a whopping 23 turnovers. 

More surprising is the fact that six of the turnovers came from their All-Star point guard, Damian Lillard.

Gotta be better

Lillard, who was acquired by the Bucks in a blockbuster trade a few weeks ago, had a forgettable outing against the Hawks in their 127-110 loss. After scoring 39 points last time out, Dame was held to just six points, missing 10 of his 12 shots from the floor. He added four rebounds and five assists. 

However, the turnovers threw a wrench into the Bucks’ attack, and Lillard admitted he has to be better if they want to have success.

“Any time you let a team come in and feel good, especially a desperate team coming in without a win, and they see some shots go in and we’re not playing a good game, it can get that way, especially early in the season, when you’re trying to figure things out, and you’re trying to find your identity,” Lillard said.

“I gotta be better. When that’s happening, I can’t be the guy turning the ball over.”

Execute on offense

The Bucks’ inefficiency on offense not only impacted their ability to put up points on the board but also to get stops when they needed them. Bucks coach Adrian Griffin said the Hawks had too many opportunities to get out in transition and score easy buckets.

“You have to execute on the offensive end just to give our defense an opportunity,” Griffin said.

“I thought too many turnovers allowed them to get out in transition, and it was hard to get our defense set because we’re not executing on the offensive end. And so, one hand washes the other. Your transition defense and your defense really starts with the execution on the offensive end.”

Damian Lillard says blowout loss to the Atlanta Hawks is part of the process

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Jonas Panerio
JONAS PANERIO