MILWAUKEE — In a game that unfolded as a potential embarrassment for the Milwaukee Bucks, it ended up being a historic comeback against the Portland Trail Blazers, as Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way with a tiebreaking tip-in and a stellar performance, securing a 108-102 victory on Sunday.
Damian Lillard, playing his first game against his former team, acknowledged the initial difference in emotions but ultimately focused on the game at hand. Lillard, who spent the first 11 seasons of his career with the Trail Blazers, requested a trade over the summer and found himself facing familiar faces in a Bucks uniform.
The Bucks trailed by a staggering 26 points early in the third quarter, marking the largest deficit overcome by a winning team in the NBA this season. This remarkable comeback represented the Bucks’ most significant turnaround since November 26, 2012, when they overcame a 27-point deficit to defeat the Chicago Bulls.
Despite Portland’s strong start, shooting over 50% in both overall field goals and 3-pointers during the first half, they faced a stark decline in the second half. The Blazers shot just 27.9% and missed 12 of their last 13 attempts from beyond the arc.
Giannis Antetokounmpo, showcasing his MVP-caliber skills, recorded 33 points, 16 rebounds, and six assists. His tiebreaking tip-in with 18.5 seconds left sealed the comeback victory for the Bucks. Lillard, on the opposing side, contributed 31 points and closed the game with four free throws in the final 10.5 seconds.
Jerami Grant led the Trail Blazers with 22 points, while Malcolm Brogdon added 18 points and 12 assists. The Bucks played without Khris Middleton, sidelined due to tendinitis in his left Achilles.
Despite the absence of Middleton, Antetokounmpo’s exceptional performance and the team’s resilience allowed the Bucks to secure a gritty win. Head Coach Adrian Griffin praised Antetokounmpo as one of the greatest players in the game, emphasizing the team’s search for momentum and the gritty nature of the victory.
The game featured a dramatic overturn of a foul call on Antetokounmpo, which ultimately led to a jump ball and solidified the Bucks’ position. Lillard’s two free throws in the final seconds ensured the Bucks completed the historic comeback, leaving the Trail Blazers to lament a missed opportunity.
The Bucks, now 10-1, continue to showcase their prowess in the NBA, while the Trail Blazers face challenges in finding composure and closing out crucial moments. The victory further solidifies Milwaukee’s position as a formidable contender in the league.
