Damian Lillard thrills NBA fans as Doc Rivers’ money wins vs. Heat With Giannis Out | News, results, highlights, stats and rumours

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MIAMI, FL - NOVEMBER 26: Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks dribbles the ball during the NBA Cup game against the Miami Heat on November 26, 2024 at the Kaseya Center in Miami, Florida. NOTICE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that by downloading and or using this photograph, User consents to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Chris Tilley/NBAE via Getty Images)

Chris Tilley/NBAE via Getty Images

After a sluggish 4-9 start to the season, the Milwaukee Bucks have surged recently and continued the hot streak on Tuesday.

The Bucks beat the Miami Heat 106-103 in the NBA Cup on Tuesday to win their fifth straight game.

Milwaukee was without star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was a late scratch due to a knee injuryand it looked like teammate Damian Lillard, who delivered 37 points and 12 assists on 10-of-17 from the field and 8-of-13 from deep.

The Bucks led by as many as 22 points thanks to 25 points from Lillard in the first half, but the Heat clawed their way back into the game before eventually pulling even at the end. Miami had a chance to take the lead on a Tyler Herro shot with seconds left, but his attempt clanged off the rim with just over a second left.

From there, Taurean Prince hit two free throws to make it a three-point game, and the Heat’s final shot by Terry Rozier missed.

After the game, fans heaped praise on Lillard’s vintage performance.

Bleacher Report @BleacherReport

Lady cooking in the first half:
25 PTS
Six threes (18.00-21.00)
18 minutes pic.twitter.com/R0Kzz8UwKK

MVP WOMEN @KindredSwerv

DAMIAN LILLARD HAS BEEN THIS.

Chris Mannix @SIChrisMannix

.@Dame_Lillard been on a tear of late. 31 against Charlotte, 25 in the first half against Miami tonight. A big part of this recent Bucks revival.

WashedDolla Ladies AD @money824_

My goat LILLARD never disappoints

Hamza @Women’s MVPszn

Damian Lillard best player in the league

chibi snoo @smoked weed5

Dame Lillard transforms back into the Portland Dame whenever Giannis doesn’t play lol

Harry! @harry414_

Dame lillard is a monster when he’s on

Tyler Arndt @arndtyler9

Lady Lillard.
That’s all.
That’s the post.

ben pfeifer @bjpf_

so great to see damian lillard cooking like he is today. the heat has no answer – drop, isolation, blitz, zone, nothing works

kevin @KY_PDX

1st option, not afraid of anyone Damian Lillard is some other man

Things looked bleak for Milwaukee early this season, but the Bucks seem to be starting to turn the corner. A win over a talented team without Antetokounmpo on the floor is a good sign that Milwaukee is capable of getting back to a championship-caliber level this year.