Dame Lillard credits ‘connected’ Bucks for meteoric rise after torrid 2-8 start
Dame Lillard had a detailed take on the Milwaukee Bucks' impressive resurgence after their torrid 2-8 start to the season. Their meteoric rise also includes a trip to the NBA Cup Finals where they play the semifinal winner between the OKC Thunder and the Houston Rockets. The Bucks sit pretty in the East with a 14-11 record to take sixth place.
Speaking on TNT in the aftermath of the win, Lillard believed that the team was more connected after their dismal and shocking start to the season. When talking about what was a major improvement in their offense or defense, the All-Star guard focused more on the team's mindset to bounce back.
"I think it's been both. We've scored points, but the way we have scored our points over the last month or so has been better. We have been playing offense for each other, and defensively we've learned our system better. It took us some time to learn and trust it, and we have been better with that. But I think our No. 1 improvement is how connected we are as a team."
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Lillard ended his evening with 25 points, six rebounds, and seven assists. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the side with 32 points, 14 rebounds, and nine assists. Their combined offensive splash was enough to fend off Trae Young's 35-point assault to win the contest 110-102 and punch a ticket to the NBA Cup Finals.
"We have shown who we truly are": Dame Lillard credits team's tough-as-nails mentality
In the same segment with TNT, Dame Lillard was asked about how the team coped with their initial struggles. The sharpshooter credited his team for being mentally tough and bouncing back.
"We have shown who we truly are. It was a rough start to the season. You're going to have criticism. A lot of people have questions and talk about how we looked on the floor. I think right now we are just showing what and who we truly are."
Lillard has been in All-Star form this season averaging 25.8 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 7.6 assists on 45.4% shooting from the deep and 37.2% from beyond the arc. His playmaking and facilitating have been vital for Milwaukee as is his improved chemistry with Antetokounmpo.
Dame Lillard and the Bucks will be the first Eastern Conference team to win the NBA Cup if they outlast their West competition. Last year, it was LeBron James and the Lakers taking home the trophy.