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Victor Petkov
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Blazers beat Bucks 119-116 in Lillard’s return to Portland
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Anfernee Simons scored 24 points, including crucial floater with 17 seconds left on the clock

In a highly anticipated matchup, Anfernee Simons showcased his scoring prowess with 24 points, delivering a crucial floater with just 17.1 seconds remaining to secure a 119-116 victory for the Trail Blazers against the Milwaukee Bucks on Wednesday night. The game marked the return of former teammate Damian Lillard to Portland, now playing for the Bucks.

Lillard, now donning a Bucks jersey, contributed 25 points, while Giannis Antetokounmpo added 27 points and eight rebounds in their second consecutive loss under the guidance of new coach Doc Rivers. Deandre Ayton played a pivotal role for the Blazers with 20 points and 11 rebounds, contributing to their two-game winning streak.

This game held special significance as it marked Lillard’s first appearance in Portland since his offseason trade to the Bucks after spending his first 11 NBA seasons as the face of the Blazers’ franchise. The Blazers maintained a narrow lead at halftime and stayed competitive in the third quarter, entering the final quarter with a 96-91 advantage, thanks to Matisse Thybulle’s 3-poInter and Simons’ well-timed jumper.

As the Bucks made a late push, Malcolm Brogdon’s 3-poInter extended Portland’s lead to 101-91, but Lillard’s 3-poInter narrowed the gap to 101-95. Milwaukee intensified the pressure, with Brook Lopez’s 3-poInter bringing them within one point at 113-112. However, Jerami Grant responded with a clutch off-balance jumper for Portland with 2:21 left.

Lillard’s layup once again closed the gap for the Bucks, and Antetokounmpo momentarily put them ahead with an alley-oop dunk from Lillard with 37.2 seconds remaining. However, Simons’ floater quickly restored Portland’s lead, and Grant sealed the deal with a pair of free throws.

In a dramatic finale, the Blazers strategically fouled Antetokounmpo in the closing seconds, and he missed both free throws, securing the hard-fought win for Portland.