On Saturday night, the Milwaukee Bucks faced off against the Orlando Magic in a stunning 111-109 NBA loss, with Damian Lillard missing a potential game-winning shot at the buzzer. After the game, Giannis Antetokounmpo weighed in on the final play, hinting that he, too, could have taken the decisive shot.
Antetokounmpo reflected on the moment postgame, fully backing Lillard’s decision to take the last attempt, recognizing his teammate as one of the best clutch players in the league.
“Clean shot. I thought the ball was going in. Great look (…) also I think I’m capable of taking the ball at the elbow if they play one-on-one and trying to take the shot myself if they don’t make something happen. But it’s one or the other. I’m cool with one of the best closers in the game taking that shot, and we all have to live with it,” Antetokounmpo said.
The two-time MVP delivered a dominant performance, finishing with 37 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists. Meanwhile, Lillard added 26 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, but his missed final shot allowed Orlando to walk away with a narrow victory.
Giannis Antetokounmpo’s season so far
Antetokounmpo continues to put up elite numbers this season, averaging 30.9 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game through 50 appearances. He’s shooting 60.6% from the field but remains a liability at the free-throw line, hitting just 59.7% of his attempts.
On the other hand, Lillard has been a key offensive piece for Milwaukee, posting 25.5 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds per game in 52 outings. He’s shooting 45.4% overall and 38.2% from three, making him a reliable deep threat in clutch situations.
The case for Damian Lillard as Milwaukee’s closer
Since arriving in Milwaukee, Lillard has been seen as the go-to option in crunch time. His track record speaks for itself—clutch shots in the playoffs, iconic game-winners, and a reputation as one of the NBA’s elite closers. His 38.2% efficiency from beyond the arc this season further cements his ability to deliver in critical moments.
Antetokounmpo himself endorsed Lillard’s shot selection against Orlando, acknowledging his status as one of the best finishers in the league. However, the question remains—should the Bucks always rely on Lillard in these situations?
Should Giannis have a bigger role in clutch moments?
After the game, Antetokounmpo hinted that he could take on more responsibility in late-game situations. His dominance in the paint and ability to attack the rim make him nearly unstoppable in one-on-one scenarios. With a 60.6% field goal percentage, his efficiency is unquestionable.
However, his lack of a consistent mid-range or three-point shot remains a concern, especially when defenses pack the paint. Additionally, his 59.7% free-throw shooting raises questions about his reliability in high-pressure moments if fouled in the closing seconds.
As the Bucks continue to navigate their offensive dynamics, the balance between Lillard’s perimeter shooting and Giannis’ inside dominance could determine their NBA late-game success moving forward.