"That's arguably the best buzzer-beater shot ever made" - Giannis Antetokounmpo in awe of Damian Lillard’s game-winner
Milwaukee Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo did not hesitate to call Damian Lillard's incredible 32-foot moon shot that lifted them past the Sacramento Kings, 143-142, on Sunday night as the "best buzzer-beater shot ever made."
Never seen anything like it
Giannis is the longest-tenured Buck on this roster, having played a decade with the franchise that drafted him 15th overall in the 2013 NBA Draft. The "Greek Freak" has played in over 700 games in his decorated career, so the 29-year-old has seen a lot of plays, including game-winners.
However, as Lillard swished an astonishing 32-foot jumper, propelling the Bucks beyond the Kings in dramatic fashion at the Fiserv Forum, Giannis couldn't resist but express his admiration for the heroic display.
The play started with just five seconds left on the clock, and the Bucks trailing by two points. Lillard, known for his clutch performances, received the pass back from Brook Lopez, and with time running out, Lillard sped past Kings guard De'Aaron Fox and stepped to his left before launching a rainbow shot that seemed to hang in the air forever. As it swished through the net as time expired, Lillard turned towards the crowd and tapped to his wrist, signaling it was "Dame Time."
"I've been with the team 11 years, that's arguably the best buzzer-beater shot ever made (during that time). And he's been on the team for 40 games. Would you guys disagree with me?" Giannis mused in the locker room after the game.
"For Dame, guys, he caught it from the other side of the court, dribbled down full speed, in and out dribble, sidestep from the logo, and knocked it down off balance. For me, it's the best."
Everything was in slow motion
Giannis had the best seat in the house for Lillard's buzzer-beater as he positioned himself in the shaded lane in case of a chance to nab an offensive rebound. As he watched Lillard pull up a few steps after the halfcourt line, Antetokounmpo shared the thoughts going through his mind.
"He just pulled up, and when I saw the ball in the air, I was like, 'this (expletive) is going in, this (expletive is going in), this (expletive) is going in," Giannis said.
"And it went in. And it was like, everything was like slow motion."