Damian Lillard’s challenging start with the Bucks, as Jrue Holiday thrives in Boston

Damian Lillard's rocky transition to the Bucks contrasts with Jrue Holiday's Boston joyride.

Damian Lillard’s challenging start with the Bucks, as Jrue Holiday thrives in Boston

Damian Lillard and Jrue Holiday (via AP and Imago)

The Milwaukee Bucks‘ acquisition of Damian Lillard had raised expectations of the Bucks’ championship hopes this season. However, his transition has been challenging, as evident against the Chicago Bulls today. Lillard’s performance in Milwaukee contrasts with his Portland Trail Blazers success, where he was known for his explosive scoring and clutch plays.

In the clash with the Bulls, Lillard’s difficulties in adapting to the Bucks’ system were on full display. In the 32 minutes he played, Lillard scored a measly 12 points on a horrendous 17.6% FG and 1 of 9 from beyond the arc. He also caused the most turnovers (5) from his team and was basically non-existent on defense. This performance raised concerns about his fit within the team’s dynamic.

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After a blowout loss to the Atlanta Hawks, Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks’ star forward, commented on the situation, stating:

We're still figuring ourselves out. We're figuring out what works. We're figuring out what we are good at, what we are not good at.

Lillard’s current season with the Milwaukee Bucks shows a decline compared to his career. His three-point shooting, a key strength, has decreased by 7.9%. Additionally, his assists have dropped by an average of two, despite being in a more stacked team. Lillard’s defensive capabilities, historically not his strong suit, have also diminished quite significantly in Milwaukee, further highlighting his struggles in adapting to the new team environment.

Despite these early challenges, it’s important to remember that it’s still early in the season. Adjusting to a new team and system takes time, and Lillard is no exception. The Bucks, with a winning record, remain one of the championship favorites, and there’s every chance that Lillard will find his footing as the season progresses.

Jrue Holiday and the Celtics’ continued domination

The Boston Celtics are experiencing a strong season start, with Jrue Holiday contributing a strong 13 points, 7 assists, and 5 rebounds per game. Holiday’s integration into the team has evidently been effective, playing a key role in their solid team performance. Their recent 114-98 victory over the New York Knicks highlights this success.

Jrue Holiday seems to be a great fit on the celtics
Kristaps Porzingis, Jayson Tatum, Jrue Holiday, Jaylen Brown (Via X: @CelticsMuse)

Jayson Tatum scored 17 of his 35 points in the fourth quarter, when the Celtics turned a 91-88 lead into a runaway. Jaylen Brown and Kristaps Porzingis added 22 and 21 respectively, and Holiday added 14 to the tally, also crossing 15,000 career points with a third-quarter three.

Comparing Jrue Holiday’s performance in the Celtics to Damian Lillard’s in the Bucks presents a stark contrast. While Holiday has seamlessly integrated into the Celtics’ system, enhancing their play, Lillard is still finding his way with the Bucks. This difference in adaptation could be pivotal in their respective teams’ fortunes this season.

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