In a dramatic upset, the Portland Trail Blazers (15-33) secured a thrilling 119-116 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks (32-16) in Damian Lillard’s emotional return to Portland.
Anfernee Simons played a pivotal role with 24 points, including a crucial floater in the final seconds.
Lillard, now with the Bucks after an offseason trade, faced his former team for the first time in front of a passionate Portland crowd. Despite Lillard’s 25 points and a strong performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo with 27 points and eight rebounds, the Bucks suffered their second consecutive loss under new coach Doc Rivers.
In the final minutes, the Bucks pressured Portland, and Antetokounmpo’s alley-oop dunk from Lillard put Milwaukee in front with 37.2 seconds left. Yet, Simons responded with a game-changing floater, securing the lead for the Trail Blazers.
Deandre Ayton contributed 20 points and 11 rebounds for the Trail Blazers, who have now won two straight games.
