On Saturday night, the Milwaukee Bucks suffered a tough 111-109 loss to the Orlando Magic, with Damian Lillard missing a potential game-winner at the buzzer. After the game, Giannis Antetokounmpo shared his thoughts on the final play, suggesting he could have taken the last shot as well.
The Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo addressed the moment after the game, fully supporting Lillard’s choice to take the final shot, acknowledging his teammate as one of the league’s top clutch performers.
“Clean shot. I thought the ball was going in. Great look. We were close to winning the game if the ball went in. In situation like that 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,” remarked the Bucks superstar forward in an interview.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard’s performance not enough against the Magic
The two-time MVP put on a commanding display, racking up 37 points, 11 rebounds, and four assists. Lillard contributed 26 points, seven rebounds, and four assists, but his missed final attempt sealed the Magic’s narrow win.
This season, Giannis Antetokounmpo is putting up 30.9 points, 12.1 rebounds, and 5.9 assists per game through 50 appearances, shooting 60.6% from the field and 59.7% from the free-throw line. Meanwhile, Lillard is averaging 25.5 points, 7.1 assists, and 4.7 rebounds across 52 games, shooting 45.4% overall and 38.2% from beyond the arc.
Since joining Milwaukee, Damian Lillard has been the primary option in late-game situations. His history backs it up—clutch performances in the playoffs, unforgettable game-winners, and a well-earned reputation as one of the league’s top closers. Shooting 38.2% from three this season only reinforces his reliability in pressure moments.
Should Giannis Antetokounmpo take the final shot?
Antetokounmpo backed Lillard’s shot selection against Orlando, recognizing him as one of the league’s top clutch performers. However, it raises the question—should the Bucks always turn to Lillard in these moments?
The Greek Freak’s dominance in the paint and ability to attack the rim make him a nightmare to defend one-on-one. Shooting 60.6% from the field, his efficiency speaks for itself.
The Bucks sit at 36-27, ranking fourth in the Eastern Conference. They trail the Knicks by 4 games and remain 17.5 games behind the conference-leading Cavaliers
