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Different kinds of narratives surrounded Damian Lillard leading into his first playoffs with the Milwaukee Bucks. Some questioned his ability to lead a team in the postseason despite years of being the Portland Trail Blazers cornerstone for years. A handful repeatedly emphasized his poor performances in the regular season against the Bucks' first-round opponents, the Indiana Pacers.
Without Giannis Antetokounmpo in Game 1 versus the Pacers, the spotlight was on “Dame Time.” Many were interested to see if he could summon past postseason glories as the alpha after adjusting to his role as Robin to Antetokounmpo’s Batman. His critics likely just wanted to see him fail and pile on him.
Damian Lillard, though, wouldn’t let anything but his game do the talking. The Milwaukee Bucks' Twitter, formerly X, staff had to do the social jabbing for the superstar point guard with a throwback Lillard post. An old Instagram story by the former Blazer had this caption:
“Clockin In on they a**”
“Dame Time” was a regular highlight in Rip City during his days with the Blazers. He used to “clock in” on opponents, including the playoffs. Many may have forgotten or chosen to ignore what he can do in the postseason, so the Bucks Twitter had to remind fans.
Lillard’s blistering first half ended with 35 points on 11-for-19 shots that were laced with six 3-pointers out of nine attempts. It was the most points in any half by a Bucks player in the playoffs. He also owned the mano-a-mano duel with Tyrese Haliburton, who stole his “Dame Time” celebration back in the NBA In-Season Tournament.
Bucks Twitter will get roasted if Damian Lillard fizzles and the team loses
After a scorching hot first half where he rarely missed, Damian Lillard came crashing back to earth. The Indiana Pacers were determined not to let him beat them, so they aggressively sent double teams every time he had the ball.
The strategy worked in the third quarter, as Lillard took just three shots, including two from rainbow distance, and missed them all. Lillard is stuck at 35, the same points he had after 24 minutes.
The Milwaukee Bucks were badly outplayed, losing the third quarter 29-14 but still carried an 89-73 advantage going to the final frame. Milwaukee’s inept performance in the third period sent the vultures flying and the critics salivating at the thought of a potential collapse.
It will be up to Damian Lillard to “clock In” on them and keep them at bay. Otherwise, the Bucks and the point guard will not hear the end of it.
Guess the Bulls players in this quiz and it's not going to be easy!
