(Photo by Tim Nwachukwu/Getty Images)
The Milwaukee Bucks got a big win without Giannis Antetokounmpo in Game 1.
Despite being doubted and despite their recent struggles against the Indiana Pacers, Damian Lillard took care of business with a 35-point explosion.
Lillard went scoreless in the second half in one of the most bizarre performances in NBA history, but he still did more than enough to keep his team afloat and secure the win.
With that in mind, Pro Football Hall Of Famer Shannon Sharpe argued that he absolutely could see Lillard leading the Bucks to a first-round win without Giannis.
.@ShannonSharpe believes that Dame can carry the Bucks past the Pacers without Giannis pic.twitter.com/dFea2i3FMP
— First Take (@FirstTake) April 23, 2024
Talking on “First Take,” he stated that we’ve seen Lillard do this thing with the Portland Trail Blazers multiple times.
He also acknowledged that, for that to happen, he’s going to need help from Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis, and if they play the way they can play, this could be a wrap.
The Pacers push the pace like no other team in the league, and they’ll take as many shots as possible.
That doesn’t match up well with a team like the Bucks, but they did an outstanding job of slowing them down and keeping them away from the rim.
The Pacers shouldn’t be so cold from beyond the arc in games to come, but Lillard also isn’t going to go scoreless in the second half again.
And unless Rick Carlisle’s team picks up the intensity on defense, the Bucks should be able to keep controlling the tempo of the game and leave the first round with a win.
The post Shannon Sharpe Makes A Bold Claim About Bucks, Damian Lillard appeared first on The Cold Wire.