Standing O, for The Letter O
Anfernee Simons spoils Damian Lillard’s return as Portland Trail Blazers win nail biter over Milwaukee Bucks
NBAThursday, 01 February 2024 at 07:43
After spending 11 years as the franchise player in Portland, Damian Lillard was for the first time the opponent at Moda Center. His homecoming didn’t go exactly as planned, however, as Anfernee Simons helped lead the Trail Blazers to an upset victory over the Milwaukee Bucks 119-116.
The future Hall of Famer was drafted 6th overall back in 2012, and throughout the years with the franchise he’s earned the respect of fans all over the world and is widely regarded as arguably the best NBA player in Portland Trail Blazers history. From countless game winners and memories shared on the court, the fans all gave Lillard a standing ovation to show their love and appreciation for him.
However, Anfernee Simons had other plans for tonight’s game, as he torched Milwaukee for 24 points with 4 made threes. Offseason acquisition Deandre Ayton finished with 20 points and 11 rebounds while Jerami Grant had 18 points, 3 rebounds, 4 assists, and 2 steals in his 38 minutes.
For the Bucks, Dame finished with 25 points, 6 rebounds, and 7 assists while superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo had 27 points, 8 rebounds, 4 assists, 3 steals, and 1 block. Khris Middleton ended with 21 points and 8 assists, and big man Brook Lopez recorded 19 points, 4 rebounds, 3 assists, 1 steal, and 2 block with 4 made three pointers.
This win improves the Blazers to 15-33, keeping them at 14th in the West. They are on a 2-game winning streak and will look to keep things going on Friday night against the reigning champion Denver Nuggets.
Meanwhile, this loss drops the 2021 NBA champions to 32-16, which is 2nd in the East and 5 games behind the Boston Celtics. The Bucks are on a 2-game losing streak and will look to turn things around Saturday night against the Dallas Mavericks.
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