A small portion of Damian Lillard‘s spectacular homecoming was dulled by his former team. On Wednesday night, the Portland Trail Blazers defeated Damian Lillard and the Milwaukee Bucks 119-116 thanks to 24 points from Anfernee Simons, including a crucial jumper with 17.1 seconds remaining.
For the Bucks in their second consecutive loss under new coach Doc Rivers, Lillard finished with 25 points. Giannis Antetokounmpo contributed eight rebounds and 27 points.
Lillard has never played in Portland before to his offseason trade to the Bucks. Throughout his first 11 NBA seasons, Lillard was the adored face of the Portland Trail Blazers.
Simons said,
“It was a fun night, celebrating a great player, a great person,” “We came in here like we’ve got stuff we want to accomplish as well. We came in wanting to win the game.”
Tribute video from the @trailblazers for the first game for @Dame_Lillard back in Portland!
— Weber State Men’s Basketball (@WeberStateMBB) February 1, 2024
11 seasons, nearly 20,000 points, the greatest player in franchise history who poured everything he had into delivering Portland a title. A warm reception, as expected, for @Dame_Lillard pic.twitter.com/H9QhHwacgc
— Chris Mannix (@SIChrisMannix) February 1, 2024
A little fan held a signboard : “Go get your ring then come back home.”
Though he acknowledged that it has been wonderful to be a part of a team that has “tasted winning and wants to get back to that,” Lillard also stated that he sees himself finishing his career in Portland.
