The Portland Trail Blazers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 105-102 on Saturday night when shooter Damian Lillard missed a leaning three-point attempt with seconds remaining.
With the Bucks trailing three points, Anfernee Simons defended Lillard on the play, forcing his mentor to take an unbalanced shot.
Blazers coach Chauncey Billups told reporters at the Fiserv Forum, “I didn’t like Dame getting his shot off at the end of the game.” Naturally, my heart paused for a moment. I’ve seen the film much too often.
Simons had just scored on a drive to the basket, been fouled, and made the three-pointer to put his side ahead 103-102 with 23 seconds remaining. Simons led the Blazers with 28 points, including 23 in the second half.
On the next play for the Bucks, Lillard tried to pass out to Bobby Portis in the left corner after dribbling toward the top of the key. But with eight seconds left, Lillard’s pass went out of bounds and into the Bucks’ bench because Portis had already begun to go toward the basket.
With 5.4 seconds remaining, Simons was fouled by the Bucks and made both of his free throws to increase Portland’s lead to 105-102, setting up Lillard’s game-winning basket.
“What a victory for our team,” Billups remarked.
On Saturday, January 4, 2025, in Milwaukee, Anfernee Simons of the Portland Trail Blazers drives past AJ Green of the Milwaukee Bucks during the second half of an NBA basketball game. (Photo by AP/Morry Gash) APAP
To finish with 16 points, Lillard, who is frequently guarded by Blazers forward Toumani Camara, only made 5 of 15 field goals and 2 of 7 three-pointers.
The Bucks were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who finished with 31 points and 11 rebounds.
Despite committing seven turnovers, Deni Avdija finished with 19 points and 14 rebounds. 16 points were added by Shaedon Sharpe.
The Blazers hit 48.2% from the field and a respectable 36.1% from three-point range despite committing 18 turnovers. Portland’s defense held the Bucks to 43.2% shooting, including 31.7% from long range, so those percentages stood up.
The Bucks took a 31-28 lead thanks to a scorching performance by Lillard, who scored 10 points in the first quarter. However, despite making 10 turnovers, he failed to score in the second quarter as the Blazers triumphed 26–20 to grab a 54–51 halftime advantage. The Bucks had zero second-chance points and not a single offensive rebound, while the Blazers got eight second-chance points on five offensive rebounds.
In the first half of an NBA basketball game on Saturday, January 4, 2025, in Milwaukee, Damian Lillard of the Milwaukee Bucks attempts to pass Deandre Ayton of the Portland Trail Blazers. (Photo by AP/Morry Gash) APAP
Simons scored 11 points in the third quarter, helping the Blazers maintain their strong play and take a nine-point lead.
But Ryan Rollins stole the ball from Deni Avdija and scored on a layup at the clock to cut the Blazers’ lead to 76-75 as the Bucks finished the quarter with a run.
In the fourth quarter, the Blazers took a seven-point lead, but the Bucks rallied once more.
With 32 seconds left, Antetokounmpo converted two free throws to put the Blazers ahead 102-100, which set up Simons’ game-winning three-pointer.
After his team outrebounds the Bucks 55-43, Billups commended them. With an average of 43 rebounds per game going into the contest, the Blazers were ranked 22nd in the NBA.
According to Billups, “I thought our rebounding was elite and high level today.” You have a chance to go out there and attempt to get shots up because we did a really, really nice job on the glass.
IMPORTANCE OF IT
The Blazers (12-22) defeated their former star Damian Lillard 2-1 overall and 1-1 on their five-game trip.
Four of the previous five games have been losses for the Bucks (17-16).
UPCOMING
The Blazers visit the Detroit Pistons (17-18) on Monday at 5 p.m.
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Aaron J. Fentress | [email protected]|@AaronJFentress (Facebook), @AaronFentress (Instagram), and @AaronJFentress (Twitter)
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