Damian Lillard Finds His Groove with Milwaukee Bucks After Key Conversation

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — Damian Lillard’s transition to the Milwaukee Bucks has been a work in progress since his blockbuster trade in September 2023. But over the past five games, the star guard has found his rhythm, averaging 26.2 points, 6.2 assists, four rebounds, and two steals per game while shooting an impressive 51.2% from the floor and 53.1% from beyond the arc. This resurgence comes after a pivotal conversation with assistant coach Vin Baker, who encouraged Lillard to embrace his identity as a scorer and playmaker.

“Me and Vin Baker, maybe about two weeks ago, two and a half weeks ago, we had a really long phone conversation where he was just like, ‘It’s actually time for you to just go and be who you are,’” Lillard said. “Don’t worry about doing the right thing and all of that stuff. You play the right way as it is. It’s time for you to just take off and go and don’t worry about nothing and be Dame Lillard.”

Lillard credited the conversation with freeing him from overthinking and allowing him to play with the aggression that has defined his career. His recent performances have been a testament to that shift, as he has taken on a more assertive role alongside fellow superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. The duo’s synergy has been on full display, with Antetokounmpo dominating the paint and Lillard stretching defenses with his 3-point shooting and driving ability.

The Bucks have won seven of their last eight games, including a recent victory over the Toronto Raptors, where Lillard’s intensity on both ends of the floor stood out. Head coach Doc Rivers praised Lillard’s defensive effort, noting, “Dame’s intensity has been terrific. There was a stretch in the first quarter where I thought he was our best defender on the floor at times.”

Lillard’s resurgence has been a key factor in Milwaukee’s climb to the fourth seed in the Eastern Conference. After struggling to find consistency earlier in the season, the Bucks now look like a team capable of making a deep playoff run. For Lillard, the challenge will be sustaining this level of play and continuing to build chemistry with Antetokounmpo and the rest of the roster.

“I always want to show that my intentions are right,” Lillard said. “Sometimes that can take away from your aggressiveness or your attack mode. But I think that conversation really did something for me. It’s allowed me to just take off and go.”

As the Bucks gear up for the second half of the season, Lillard’s ability to maintain his aggressive mindset could be the key to unlocking the team’s full potential. With Vin Baker’s advice still ringing in his ears, Lillard appears ready to embrace his role as one of Milwaukee’s leaders on and off the court.