The Milwaukee Bucks’ new season hasn’t gone as expected, with the team facing a 1-6 record after their latest loss. However, despite the disappointing start, Damian Lillard remains hopeful about the Bucks’ potential to turn things around.
Lillard, who joined Milwaukee in a high-profile trade to boost the Bucks’ championship aspirations, isn’t worried just yet. “Just because it’s a 1-6 start, it’s ugly,” Lillard said, per Jim Owczarski of the Milwaukee Journal Sentinel. “But when you look at the big picture, it’s such a long season. It’s 75 games left.”
The Bucks’ recent struggles have surprised fans, as the team is stacked with talent, including two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis, and Brook Lopez. Yet Milwaukee’s current six-game losing streak has raised concerns about their chemistry and ability to compete at the top of the Eastern Conference.
Lillard, who has been averaging 27.6 points, 4.6 rebounds, and 6.7 assists per game in 35.9 minutes, sees the early slump as a common challenge that teams often face. “Sometimes you just get in a ditch,” he explained, adding that difficult stretches can happen at any point in the season, whether at the start, middle, or end.
Lillard emphasized that while the Bucks’ slow start looks concerning on the surface, it’s not the end of the road. Reflecting on his past experiences, he noted, “I’ve been part of teams that have won 16 straight, 14 straight.” This resilience, according to Lillard, is what Milwaukee needs to find their rhythm and get back on track.
The guard also expressed confidence in the team’s veteran experience and talent, suggesting that the Bucks have the tools to overcome their current struggles. “Because of who we have on our team – Giannis, Khris, myself, Bobby, Brook – we’ve got an experienced, talented team,” Lillard said.
