Damian Lillard Reflects on His Tenure with the Milwaukee Bucks: Injuries, Memorable Moments, and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Impact

Damian Lillard’s arrival in Milwaukee in 2023 marked one of the most talked-about moves in NBA history, setting the stage for a new era in the Bucks’ pursuit of another championship. After years of being a franchise cornerstone in Portland, Lillard was traded to a team already brimming with championship aspirations, led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, one of the most dominant forces the league has ever seen. In a recent exclusive interview, Lillard took a step back to reflect on his time with the Bucks, touching on everything from injuries to his favorite moments in the iconic green and cream jersey, and, of course, his partnership with Giannis.

Arriving in Milwaukee, Lillard knew he was joining a squad that had already claimed a championship in 2021 and had the hunger to add more. The transition from Portland, where Lillard had been the undisputed leader for over a decade, to a team with established stars like Giannis, Khris Middleton, and Jrue Holiday, was not a simple one. Yet, despite the challenges and adjustments, Lillard quickly found his place within the squad. The blend of Lillard’s scoring ability and leadership with the two-time MVP’s all-around brilliance seemed destined for success.

However, the road to greatness is rarely smooth, and Lillard’s tenure in Milwaukee was not without its bumps. Injuries played a significant role in shaping his experience with the Bucks. The point guard, known for his consistent performance and unmatched deep range, had to manage several niggling injuries that kept him off the court at times. In particular, a hamstring issue forced him to miss several key games early in the season, leaving fans anxious about his long-term durability.

“Coming from Portland, where I was the guy that had to play through everything, it was hard to sit out,” Lillard admitted. “But in Milwaukee, we have so much depth, and the coaching staff was always telling me that the bigger picture mattered. It wasn’t just about one game; it was about making sure I was ready for the playoffs.”

While injuries were an ongoing challenge, they also gave Lillard the chance to reflect on the bigger picture of his career. In Portland, he had often been forced to carry an overwhelming load, playing through pain and injury because of the lack of a true supporting cast. But in Milwaukee, there was a level of comfort knowing that, even when he wasn’t at 100%, the team could still thrive without him. Giannis and the others were capable of stepping up, and Lillard was able to take his time when necessary. It was an adjustment, but one he came to appreciate as the season unfolded.

Despite the injuries, there were plenty of bright spots. Lillard recalled one of his favorite memories from his first year with the Bucks, a game against the Boston Celtics in late December. The matchup was highly anticipated, with both teams at the top of the Eastern Conference, and Lillard had an opportunity to showcase his clutch shooting in front of a national audience. Down by two with less than five seconds left on the clock, Lillard was given the ball at the top of the key. With Celtics defenders all over him, he launched a three-pointer as time expired, sealing the win for the Bucks in dramatic fashion.

“That shot was crazy, man,” Lillard said, smiling. “It’s moments like that that remind you why you play the game. I wasn’t thinking about the injury or the rehab or anything—just the moment and the trust my teammates and coaching staff had in me to take that shot.”

For Lillard, moments like this were a reminder of why he made the decision to join Milwaukee in the first place. The chance to compete for championships with a team that was already well-positioned for success was a unique opportunity. But it wasn’t just about winning titles; it was about the connection with his new teammates, especially Giannis.

Lillard spoke at length about his relationship with Giannis, which quickly blossomed into one of the most exciting duos in the NBA. While Lillard is known for his ability to score in virtually any way, and Giannis for his freakish athleticism and dominance in the paint, their chemistry on the court was nearly instant. Lillard noted that Giannis’s unselfishness and work ethic were two of the qualities that stood out to him the most.

“Giannis is a guy that you want to play with because he’s all about winning. He’s not looking for the spotlight; he just wants to win and do whatever it takes to get there,” Lillard explained. “A lot of times, you see stars who want to get their shots, and it becomes about individual accolades. But with Giannis, it’s never like that. If he needs to pass the ball to me, or Khris, or whoever, he’s doing it because he understands that we’re all trying to get the same thing.”

Lillard’s understanding of Giannis’s mindset was key to their success. The two stars complemented each other perfectly. While Giannis took care of business in the paint, Lillard spaced the floor and created opportunities for his teammates with his elite shooting range. The Bucks’ offense became even more dangerous, as defenses couldn’t afford to leave Lillard open beyond the arc, which gave Giannis more room to operate.

“One thing I’ll always appreciate about playing with Giannis is how much he cares about the team,” Lillard continued. “There’s never any ego. He’s a superstar, but he’s constantly looking for ways to elevate everyone around him. That’s rare.”

In addition to their on-court synergy, Lillard developed a deep respect for Giannis’s off-court approach as well. Giannis’s humility, tireless work ethic, and drive to improve were infectious to the entire team. Lillard, already known for his meticulous preparation, found that Giannis’s relentless commitment to getting better was a motivating factor.

“There are no days off for Giannis, and that’s something I’ve learned from him,” Lillard noted. “Every day, he’s coming in with the mindset to be better than he was yesterday, and that rubs off on you. When you see someone like that, with all his accolades and achievements, still grinding, it makes you want to do the same.”

As the season went on, Lillard’s injuries became less of a concern, and his performance steadily improved. By the time the playoffs came around, he was playing at his usual high level, lighting up the scoreboard and leading his team through tough matchups. However, despite all the personal success, Lillard never lost sight of the goal that had brought him to Milwaukee: winning a championship.

In the postseason, the Bucks stormed through the Eastern Conference, with Lillard playing a key role in their deep run. However, the road was not without obstacles. In the NBA Finals, the Bucks found themselves facing off against the Denver Nuggets, led by two-time MVP Nikola Jokić. It was a hard-fought series, but in the end, the Bucks’ combination of Lillard’s shooting, Giannis’s dominance, and the all-around effort of their supporting cast proved too much for the Nuggets.

When the Bucks clinched the championship, it marked the culmination of Lillard’s journey to Milwaukee. He had finally achieved what he had longed for in Portland—a chance to compete for a title. The joy was palpable, but it wasn’t just the victory that made it special. It was the bond he had formed with Giannis, the camaraderie with his teammates, and the realization that he had found a new home in Milwaukee.

Reflecting on the journey, Lillard couldn’t help but feel grateful. “It was everything I wanted and more,” he said. “I came to Milwaukee for one reason: to win a championship. And to do it alongside someone like Giannis—it’s the kind of thing you dream about as a kid. We’ve built something special here, and I’m excited for the future.”

As the years go on, Lillard’s legacy with the Bucks will be remembered not only for his contributions on the court but also for the leadership and wisdom he brought to a team already full of stars. The dynamic duo of Lillard and Giannis, combined with the relentless pursuit of excellence, made the Milwaukee Bucks one of the most formidable teams in NBA history.