The Milwaukee Bucks got a massive boost Tuesday night, but it did not make a difference.
All-Star guard Damian Lillard returned to the court, five weeks after he was diagnosed with deep vein thrombosis, or blood clots, in his right calf. However, the Bucks dropped Game 2 of their first-round series against the Pacers, 123-115, and trail 0-2 in the first-round NBA playoff series.
Game 3 is Friday in Milwaukee.
Over the past few weeks, Lillard had been making progress, eventually coming off of blood thinner medication. As Lillard’s progress continued, the Bucks issued news releases indicating that a return during the playoffs could be possible. Then, on Tuesday, Lillard told reporters that he expected to return and the Bucks officially listed him as questionable ahead of tip off.
Tuesday marked the first time that Lillard and Most Valuable Player award finalist Giannis Antetokounmpo appeared in a postseason game together for the Bucks; last season, Antetokounmpo missed the postseason with a calf injury.
Lillard ended up missing 15 games overall with the issue, including Saturday’s 117-98 Game 1 loss against the Pacers.
Here’s everything you need to know about Damian Lillard’s return to the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday:
How many points did Damian Lillard score Tuesday against the Pacers?
In what was an up-and-down showing, Lillard finished the game with 14 points on 4-of-13 shooting, seven assists and three rebounds. From 3-point range, Lillard shot just 2-of-8 (25%). He played 36:58 minutes of game time.
Lillard would have a quiet start to his first quarter, attempting just three shots in the period, though he did convert his first one, a step-back jumper from the left elbow. He also rattled home his first 3-point try.
That pattern would continue throughout the rest of the first half, as Lillard was selective — though efficient — with his offense. Headed into intermission, he had scored 11 points on 3-of-6 shooting, with a pair of rebounds and an assist. He was aggressive in attacking the cup, though, making four of his five free throw attempts.
Lillard went cold in the third, though, missing all three shot attempts he took before heading to the bench for a rest before the fourth. Lillard would continue to struggle from the field, connecting on just one shot in the fourth, giving him just three points in the second half.
Lillard did not attempt a free throw in the second half.
What does Damian Lillard’s return mean for the Bucks’ playoff hopes?
While Lillard was perhaps a little too deferential in his return, his offense is undeniable.
Lillard and Antetokounmpo were the NBA’s highest-scoring duo, averaging 55.3 points per game. When Lillard settles and gets his shots in rhythm, and when he attacks the paint and draws contact, Milwaukee’s offense is at its best.
The Pacers, though, were ready for Lillard on Tuesday night. Indiana often matched up Andrew Nembhard, a shifty and long defender, on him. Lillard, 34, also appeared to be a little rusty since his last game March 18.
As the series heads to Milwaukee, the Bucks — now in an 0-2 hole — will need Lillard to be even more assertive. In Game 3 and beyond, expect Milwaukee to scheme ways to get Lillard easier looks, perhaps trying to use pick-and-rolls to shed Nembhard.
Milwaukee could also try to push the pace a little more to try to prevent the Pacers from settling into their defense, allowing Lillard to seek out more favorable matchups.
There’s one issue, though, that Lillard will not solve for the Bucks. If anything, he makes it slightly worse.
Milwaukee’s defense has been wildly inconsistent all season, and the Pacers operated with ease and control Tuesday night. Indiana shot 48.9% from the floor, and that figure would’ve been higher had its shooting not gone cold during a spell in the fourth quarter.