Amidst ‘over-coaching’ speculations, Damian Lillard wins struggling Milwaukee Bucks game in clutch-time

Bucks stars Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo finally showed out against the Houston Rockets in their latest NBA matchup.

Amidst ‘over-coaching’ speculations, Damian Lillard wins struggling Milwaukee Bucks game in clutch-time

Gilbert Arenas and Damian Lillard

The Milwaukee Bucks have endured one of their worst starts to the 2024-25 NBA season, struggling with underwhelming performances. Star players Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard have yet to find their rhythm together. However, their most recent matchup against the Houston Rockets brought a much-needed boost.

Thanks to Damian Lillard’s fourth-quarter heroics, the Bucks clinched a narrow 101-100 victory on Monday. Lillard scored the game’s final seven points, including a clutch layup with 3.9 seconds remaining. The win came just a day after former NBA player Gilbert Arenas criticized the team for being “over-coached.”

With 1:58 left in the game, Alperen Sengun tipped in a shot to give the Rockets a 100-94 lead. However, Damian Lillard responded by sinking two free throws and assisting AJ Green on a crucial three-pointer with 1:17 remaining. With just 19.1 seconds left, Giannis Antetokounmpo blocked Şengün’s close-range attempt, setting the stage for Lillard (18 points, 10 assists) to deliver the game-winning basket.

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The Rockets had been dominating opponents, outscoring them by over 16 points per game during their five-game winning streak. However, the Bucks’ clutch plays snapped that streak. While Lillard may not be as youthful and explosive as he once was, his and the Bucks’ experience in high-pressure moments proved decisive on Monday night.

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Gilbert Arenas ‘blamed’ Bucks’ coaching for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard’s recent struggles

Former NBA player Gilbert Arenas previously did not hold back on his self-titled show, Gil’s Arena, when criticizing the Milwaukee Bucks’ coaching staff. Despite boasting stars like Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, the Bucks have had one of their worst starts to the season, a situation Arenas finds deeply concerning.

On the show, he speculated that the team’s struggles might stem from players being “over-coached,” limiting their natural abilities and instincts on the court.

I don’t know if it’s overcoaching, like alone just him (Giannis) and Dame should be able to win you games right?… Are you literally have to be trying to really coach them? Nah, you know when a motherf**cker coach try to coach too much.

Gilbert Arenas remarked
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Arenas also claimed that ‘sometimes coaches try to micromanage’ and this is what leads to failure amongst stars in the team. Previously, both Antetokounmpo and Lillard seem visibly frustrated with their sides’ performances. If the Bucks continue their poor form, one of these stars might opt out of the franchise during the trade market.