The Milwaukee Bucks were without point guard Damian Lillard on Tuesday night against the Washington Wizards due to a groyne strain. Milwaukee suffered a 117-113 loss against Washington on the road without Lillard.
Milwaukee plummeted to 47-28 this season, while Washington improved to 15-61. One of the most alarming aspects of the Bucks’ season has been their record with and without Damian Lillard. Milwaukee’s record with Lillard is 46-22; without him, it is 1-6.
That is something that should not be overlooked moving ahead. It only goes to prove that no matter how good Giannis Antetokounmpo is, he needs a second superstar by his side. This is why they traded for Lillard in the offseason, hoping to win another NBA championship.
This basketball squad has struggled this season due to a lack of a backup point guard. On Wednesday night, Patrick Beverley began in his place, but he sustained an injury in the third quarter against the Washington Wizards and did not return to the game.
The Bucks have one fault on their roster. For these reasons, they should have done a better job developing the backup position during Damian Lillard’s absence in the offseason. Jrue Holiday’s absence this season has harmed their defensive performance.
For the Bucks this season, Lillard is averaging 24.4 points per game, 4.4 rebounds, and 7.1 assists. This season, his points per game rank 16th in the NBA, which has contributed to the Bucks’ success. What should not be missed is that his assists per game rank 10th in the NBA this season.
His play-making skills, in addition to his scoring, is what has helped the Bucks be so successful this season. He has scored 20 or more points and five or more assists in the last four of Milwaukee’s five games.
