Blazers' Blowout Win vs. Bucks Stuns NBA Fans in Damian Lillard's Return to Portland

Blazers’ Blowout Win vs. Bucks Stuns NBA Fans in Damian Lillard’s Return to Portland

Posted by author January 29, 2025 NBA

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Cameron Browne/NBAE via Getty Images

Damian Lillard remains winless at Moda Center in two games as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks.

The Bucks, playing on the second night of a back-to-back, were defeated 125-112 by the Portland Trail Blazers on Tuesday night. Lillard scored 20 points on 7-of-17 shooting and dished out six assists in 38 minutes.

The game did start on a high note for Lillard, who received a warm welcome from the Portland crowd during pregame introductions.

That was about the end of the good vibes for Lillard. His 20 points were his fewest in a game since Jan. 4 when he scored 16 against these same Trail Blazers in Milwaukee.

There haven’t been a lot of wins by the Blazers in recent years, but they certainly have fun going up against Lillard and the Bucks.

Underdog NBA @Underdog__NBA

Damian Lillard’s 4 games vs. Blazers since the trade:
Loss
Loss
Loss
Win
0-2 in Portland as a visitor.

ᴛʏʟᴇʀ @blazersforreal

I miss Damian Lillard in Portland man..
I am so glad I never took him for granted when he was a Blazer..This dude will FOREVER be the Blazers GOAT.
This will FOREVER be HIS City and HIS arena!! ❤️♾️ pic.twitter.com/vcyW8s1jRi

Paul Henning @brewcitypaul

Incredibly disappointing Bucks game
Dame started out hot but then disappeared
Khris scoreless & foul trouble
Giannis dominating but also holding ball a bit too much
Deni looks like prime Euro Kukoc
Ayton is out for finals blood revenge
Blazers just way more juiced for this

Brenna Greene @BrennaGreene_

“I know we for sure get up for them.”
The Blazers now own a three game winning streak over the Milwaukee Bucks and tonight was pure domination as the closest the Bucks got in the 4th was 7 pts with 11 mins to go.
My full wrap from Moda: pic.twitter.com/k0VYIwOvmI

The big winner of the game was Anfernee Simons, who thrived up against his former mentor and teammate. He dropped 25 points on 9-of-17 shooting and had one moment in the third quarter when he was able to shake off Lillard in a manner similar to what Lillard has done to opposing players throughout his career.

NBA @NBA

“Simons dancing with his mentor…”
Anfernee Simons spent 5 seasons learning the trick of the trade from Damian Lillard…
And gets the tough floater to fall here! pic.twitter.com/iXr8bpS2Cx

The biggest issue for the Bucks in this game was trying to contain Deni Avdija. The 24-year-old put up a season-high 30 points in 38 minutes. Deandre Ayton, returning to the lineup after a three-game absence, recorded his third straight double-double (21 points, 14 rebounds).

Milwaukee definitely looked like an older team playing its second game in as many nights. Khris Middleton, after playing 27 minutes against the Utah Jazz on Monday, had zero points in 15 minutes against the Blazers. This is the second time in three games he’s been held scoreless.

Giannis Antetokounmpo did all he could to carry the Bucks with 39 points, 12 rebounds and five assists. He’s recorded a double-double in 17 consecutive games, including three straight games with at least 30 points and 10 rebounds.

Even though the Bucks have figured out some of the issues that contributed to their slow start this season, playing on the road remains a problem. They are now 9-12 away from Fiserv Forum.

Lillard and the Bucks will wrap up their four-game Western Conference road trip on Friday when they take on the San Antonio Spurs at Frost Bank Center.