Damian Lillard shoe: Bucks guard tips off 2024 NBA Playoffs debuting Adidas Dame 9s

Damian Lillard unveiled new gear as the Milwaukee Bucks began their 2024 NBA Playoffs journey against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday. Lillard showcased the Adidas Dame 9s for the first time in front of the packed Fiserv Forum.

Damian Lillard initially revealed the Dame 9s during February's All-Star Weekend. The version he unveiled featured a futuristic design with a combination of black and orange.

In the Bucks' Game 1 victory against the Pacers, Lillard sported a variation of the shoe that incorporated a space-themed purple color instead of orange. However, there was a hint of orange on the rear end of the sole.

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As of writing, there is no official release date or technical specifications available for Lillard’s new sneakers.

While there are no further details currently known about the Adidas Dame 9s, they are anticipated to be launched sometime this year with an estimated price tag of approximately $120.

Damian Lillard fuels Bucks’ Game 1 win

Damian Lillard's unveiling of his new shoe coincided with a stellar performance, propelling the Milwaukee Bucks to a 109-94 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 1.

Lillard was particularly dominant in the first half, scoring 35 points while adding three rebounds and two assists. He made 11 of his 19 shots, including six of 10 from beyond the arc.

His first-half performance set a new Bucks franchise record for most points scored in a playoff half.

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However, Damian Lillard was unable to score in 19 second-half minutes, missing all five of his shot attempts and only contributing three rebounds and one assist.

“In the playoffs, it’s about setting a tone," Lillard said postgame. "We’re going to see this team a lot of times, and you want to establish yourself, especially on your home floor. That was just my mentality, to come out and try to set the tone.”

Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis stepped up in the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo, each recording double-doubles. Middleton posted 23 points and 10 rebounds, while Portis added 15 points and 11 rebounds.

On the other side, the Pacers were led by Pascal Siakam, who scored a game-high 36 points and grabbed 13 rebounds, and Myles Turner, who contributed 17 points and eight rebounds.

Pacers All-Star Tyrese Haliburton finished with nine points, seven rebounds, and eight assists on only seven shot attempts.

The Bucks' first-round series against the Pacers is intriguing, as they only won one of their five matchups in the regular season. They are missing Antetokounmpo, who put up 42.2 points, 13 rebounds, 5.4 assists, 1.6 steals and 1.2 blocks per game against the Pacers.