Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Absence Helped Damian Lillard and the Bucks, as Per Shaquille O’Neal

Published 04/22/2024, 2:15 AM EDT

The Indiana Pacers stood no chance against the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 1, who were short-handed on their entry into the playoffs. Damian Lillard was back to form after missing playoffs for two straight seasons and was scorching his opponents from the three-point line. The Bucks looked promising in Game 1 and many continue to credit Lillard for it. However, Shaquille O’Neal believes Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is sidelined with a calf injury, is the X-factor behind the Bucks’ win today. Wondering how? Here’s what Shaq has to say.

The Lakers legend shared on Inside the NBA, “This may sound crazy but, a lot of times when you don’t have your best player, the other guys get in a better rhythm. Because they touch the ball. Bobby Portis is not used to taking 20 shots when Giannis is on the court…In the playoff situation when you can touch the ball, you are home, you can definitely get into the game.”

Like Shaq said, Portis took 15 shots today but finished with only 15 points. However, Lillard was the master on offense, who dropped 35 points. He converted six three-pointers, and all his 35 points came in the first half. While it is a concern he didn’t score a single point in the second half, his heat check in the first two quarters gave the Bucks a huge lead.

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The above comments from Shaquille O’Neal can be connected to Antetokounmpo’s words about Lillard with the Bucks. Also, the game today proves why the Greek Freak made such comments.

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Antetokounmpo gave the responsibility for the Bucks to Damian Lillard

It’s a known fact that Antetokounmpo has led the Bucks from the front for the last ten years. When Lillard joined the team, the big question was, “Whose team is the Bucks?” The Greek Freak has no doubt about it because he has given the responsibility to Lillard.

In February, he shared in an interview with The Athletic, “Good or bad, I ride with Dame until the f****** end. I ride with Dame. Like I’ve been saying this over and over again. This. Is. His. Team.”

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It was Lillard’s team today. Dame Dolla pulled off the same role that he had with the Portland Trail Blazers all these years. And we could see how dominant he was today. So Shaquille O’Neal’s words on the Bucks’ performance in Game 1 make a lot of sense. Reports have revealed that Antetokounmpo will likely return by the end of this first round. It’ll be interesting to see how Lillard will adjust with Giannis in the lineup.

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Written by:

Rohan Dharmalingam is an NBA beat writer at EssentiallySports, who extensively covers the Lakers. Be it a multimillion dollar deal breaking or a classic throwback, Rohan has covered the many themes and formats. Most notably, his coverage received a shoutout from the Purple & Gold icon Shaquille O'Neal and the rap legend 50 Cent, on Instagram.

Edited by:

Pragya Vashisth

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Absence Helped Damian Lillard and the Bucks, as Per Shaquille O’Neal

Antetokounmpo gave the responsibility for the Bucks to Damian Lillard

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