In a thrilling game against the Sacramento Kings, Damian Lillard showcased his clutch prowess by sinking his first game-winning buzzer-beater for the Milwaukee Bucks. The moment was immortalized on Instagram, where Lillard shared a photo of him and his teammates engaging in the iconic ‘Dame Time’ celebration. However, keen-eyed NBA fans quickly noticed a peculiar detail – Thanasis Antetokounmpo, a Bucks player, had been conspicuously cropped out of the image.
The complete picture revealed Thanasis right in the forefront, participating in the celebratory pose with the team in front of the cameras. The social media move prompted humorous speculation from fans, with one suggesting, “Thanasis doing Dray time not Dame time.” The jest implied that Thanasis, in the cropped image, appeared ready to engage in physical confrontation akin to Draymond Green, known for his on-court intensity.
Despite the lighthearted speculation, it is suggested that there might not have been a deliberate reason behind the cropping, other than a focus on highlighting the celebratory moment itself. The 31-year-old Thanasis Antetokounmpo has been a subject of scrutiny, often accused of benefiting from nepotism due to his relation to the Bucks’ superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo.
NBA executives and fans alike have questioned Thanasis’ place in the league, asserting that he might not secure a spot on any NBA roster if not for his famous brother. Critics point to his limited on-court contributions, with an average of 0.9 points, 0.5 rebounds, and 0.5 assists per game this season. The prevalent belief is that his roster spot is primarily due to familial ties rather than individual merit.
However, such situations are not unprecedented in the NBA, as teams often prioritize keeping star players content. If having Giannis’ brother on the team contributes to team harmony, the Bucks may justify his place on the roster for that reason.
Lillard’s ‘Dame Time’ celebration was a significant moment, marking the first occurrence since his arrival at the Bucks. The seven-time All-Star addressed the rarity of the celebration in his postgame press conference, explaining that he reserves it for crucial moments. The game against the Kings indeed qualified as one such occasion, culminating in an overtime victory for the Bucks with a final score of 143-142.
Lillard’s stellar performance included a team-high 29 points, along with 4 rebounds and 8 assists, solidifying the Bucks’ record at 28-12. The win followed a brief rough patch earlier in the month, where the team suffered four losses in five games. With three consecutive victories, the Bucks are demonstrating resilience and adaptability amid adjustments, including the integration of Lillard and a new head coach, Adrian Griffin, raising anticipation for their performance as the playoffs draw nearer.
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