Damian Lillard breaks silence after first major career trophy
Damian Lillard finally added new hardware to his trophy cabinet after the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the OKC Thunder in the Emirates NBA Cup Final. Lillard can now call himself an NBA Cup winner after the Bucks' dominating performance.
Speaking to reporters after the game, Lillard reacted to the team's triumph and the addition of the NBA Cup to his accomplishments. He's an eight-time All-Star, one-time All-Star Game MVP, a two-time 3-Point Contest winner and a seven-time All-NBA selection.
"I feel happy," Lillard said. "It's something that we wanted to win and being in something like this in its second year, teams cared a little bit more. I think teams played with a little more pride to try and reach Vegas and have the opportunity to win in the end. ... To be the last team standing in this tournament, it feels great."
Damian Lillard finished the game with 23 points, four rebounds and four assists, shooting 6-for-12 from the field and 6-for-7 from the free-throw line. Lillard hit five triples, doing most of his damage in the second and third quarters. He set the tone in the second period before the Milwaukee Bucks pulled away in the third.
The Bucks did a fantastic job making things hard for the OKC Thunder, limiting Shai Gilgeous-Alexander to just 21 points on 24 shots. Jalen Williams had 18 points on 20 shots, with Isaiah Hartenstein the only efficient player. Hartenstein put up 16 points and 12 rebounds on 54.5% field goal percentage.
Andre Jackson Jr. did a wonderful job defending SGA, while Williams, Alex Caruso and all those who guarded Giannis Antetokounmpo had no chance. "The Greek Freak" finished the game with 26 points, 19 rebounds, 10 assists, two steals and three blocks.
Giannis Antetokounmpo comments on Damian Lillard's NBA Cup win
The Milwaukee Bucks are the second-ever NBA Cup champions, with more players showing that they care about it this season. Giannis Antetokounmpo was amped up after their victory, although he told reporters that no champagne celebration happened in the locker room.
Antetokounmpo felt amazing that they got to lift the Emirates NBA Cup trophy, but he's more happy for Damian Lillard. He's proud that they won their first hardware together though he knows the job is far from finished. The regular season resumes on Thursday.
"It's the best feeling ever, just winning, winning feels good," Giannis said. "Playing big games feels good when you come to the game and execute your game plan and the outcome's the one you wanted to be. ... We had this goal as a team and we accomplished it, and I'm very proud of everybody. I'm happy for Dame, got our first trophy together."
The Bucks are back in action on Friday against the Cleveland Cavaliers followed by the Washington Wizards on Saturday.