Damian Lillard Opens Up on “Weird Feeling” of Facing Portland After Crushing Them With Largest Comeback

After 11 years of extraordinary gameplay for the Portland Trail Blazers, Damian Lillard recently stepped against them for the first time. Adding to the already palpable tension, the Milwaukee Bucks trailed 55-81 at halftime. However, Portland’s roster was treated to another display of Lillard’s prowess as the Bucks secured a 108-102 victory. In doing so, the Bucks overcame the 26-point deficit, the largest of the season.

With Lillard, Giannis Antetokounmpo contributed significantly with 33 points and 16 rebounds. For Portland, Jerami Grant led the charge with 22 points, while Malcolm Brogdon notched a double-double, 18 points and 12 assists. Additionally, Deandre Ayton mirrored the same, with 14 points and 13 rebounds.

Damian Lillard opens up on facing Portland for the first time

Damian Lillard holds togetherness and resilience in high regard. So, when the Milwaukee Bucks mounted a 26-point comeback against Dame’s ex-home team, the guard lauded the two qualities as their pivotal elements. However, he admitted during a brief post-game interview that seeing familiar faces on the rival side of the court initially gave him a “weird feeling.”

Furthermore, Lillard also added that he almost wanted to go to the visitors’ locker room. Lillard admitted that it felt different, especially when he saw everyone on the court. But when he started playing, he got over it quickly. Lillard will see his former team again next year, on February 1, 2024, in Portland.

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Lillard’s reason for walking out remains the same

Damian Lillard, to date, remains the most celebrated player in the modern era of the Blazers. However, after 11 years of service, he requested a trade. His primary reason was the perceived lack of the franchise’s commitment to winning. Now, after nearly two months into his new team, Lillard radiated the same sentiment when he was asked about his last days in Portland.

According to Lillard, his time with the Trail Blazers had reached a stalemate. On the Knuckleheads podcast, Lillard stated, “When it came to going all in to win, I just felt like it ran its course.”

The move to Milwaukee aligns with what Lillard always desired—a team that is driven to pursue a championship. Furthermore, shaking hands with Giannis gives Lillard the optimal opportunity to turn his dream into reality. Moreover, the shift to a different conference positions him in a better spot than ever before.

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