(Photo : Photo by Steph Chambers/Getty Images)) PORTLAND, OREGON – JANUARY 31: Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks has his teammates cheer him on as the gang acknowledges him throughout his return towards the Portland Trail Blazers at Moda Center on January 31, 2024 in Portland, Oregon.
A homecoming to recollect.
Damian Lillard made his extremely anticipated return to Portland as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks final night time because the commerce that despatched Lillard to Milwaukee over the offseason.
Before the sport, Lillard spoke about what it means to return to Portland, a spot he known as house all through most of his profession.
“Because of how I feel about Portland… my time that I’ve spent here. In my mind, that’s where I always felt that my career would end,” ESPN reported Lillard saying.
Portland Trail Blazers: Emotional Night in PDX
Despite the emotional homecoming for the Blazers nice, Lillard and the Bucks misplaced 119-116 to the Trail Blazers. Lillard had completed the sport with 25 factors, seven assists, and 6 rebounds.
Lillard would obtain a standing ovation in the course of the recreation together with a video tribute highlighting his profession as a member of the Portland Trail Blazers.
Lillard spent 11 of his 12 seasons in Portland, the place he was drafted by the crew sixth general within the 2012 NBA Draft. He later rose to turn into among the best gamers within the league.
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During his tenure with the Blazers, Lillard had loads of memorable moments; together with main the crew to the playoffs in eight out of his 12 seasons within the Rose City.
He took the crew to the Western Conference finals in 2019, the place they misplaced to the Golden State Warriors in a collection wherein they received swept.
Lillard has scored 19,376 factors throughout his time with the Trail Blazers, making him the franchise’s all-time scoring chief. Damian can also be the franchise chief in free throws made with 4,427.
Though he says he’s dedicated to the Milwaukee Bucks, Lillard is open to returning to Portland earlier than he calls an finish to his profession.
“Right now, I’m just in a space like this, which is where I am now. I’m in Milwaukee. I wanted the opportunity to contend, and our team has an opportunity to contend for this year and years to come, and I’m just living in that. But I definitely, when I was traded, I see a day where I’ll be in a Trail Blazer uniform again before I’m done.”
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