Damian Lillard will not be holding his first piece of NBA silverware in the inaugural In-Season Tournament after the Bucks were eliminated in the semi-finals with a loss to the Indiana Pacers. Tyrese Haliburton hit Lillard with the ‘Dame Time’ celebration during the game, prompting Lillard to respond in the post-game press conference.
“As many times as I’ve done it, I can’t be upset when somebody else does it. I think it’s a sign of respect and acknowledgment when somebody else does it. I didn’t mind it, it was what it was. I also know that when you’re having your moment, it’s important to be careful and be humble. You never know how and when the tables turn. I respected it and we shook hands after the game.”
Damian Lillard says he respected Tyrese Haliburton pulling out the "Dame Time" wrist tap but Lillard also notes to "be humble" when you're having your moment because you never know when it ends https://t.co/2SAxQNYmsP pic.twitter.com/Ts043w25Un
— Rob Lopez (@r0bato) December 8, 2023
Haliburton hit a fantastic three towards the end of the game and put the game completely out of reach for Lillard and the Bucks. He followed that bucket up with his Dame Time celebration, which thankfully didn’t upset the NBA star he was copying.
TY TIME ⌚️ pic.twitter.com/p4G4LX6tIR
— Indiana Pacers (@Pacers) December 8, 2023
Haliburton led the Pacers with 27 points and 15 assists on 57.9% efficiency and 0 turnovers. Lillard couldn’t match up to Tyrese with his 24 points, seven rebounds, and seven assists, though that’s still a solid game. The best player on the night was Giannis Antetokounmpo who put up 37 points and 10 rebounds, but unfortunately, it wasn’t enough to keep the Bucks in the competition.
On Saturday, the Pacers will face the winner of the Lakers vs. Pelicans matchup in the Finals.
The Next Generation Of Point Guards Have Arrived
The NBA hasn’t had so many elite young point guards in the league simultaneously in years. Everyone understands the value of accomplished guards such as Lillard, Stephen Curry, James Harden, Russell Westbrook, Chris Paul, and more, but the new generation of guards is incredible. Only Curry and Lillard somewhat are still matching the production of their successors, but for how much longer?
Haliburton is averaging 26.9 points, 4.2 rebounds, and 12.1 assists this season. He is going to be a mainstay in best point guard conversations for the future, but even his incredible numbers haven’t put him in that category just yet. Two guards from the same draft class seem to be going at each other to see who the best guard in the NBA right now is.
Luka Doncic already has four All-NBA First Teams to his name, dominating the NBA at a superstar level since his sophomore season. He’s averaging 31.8 points, 8.5 rebounds, and 8.6 assists this season, and is the leading scorer among all guards. His competition is Shai Gilgeous-Alexander, who joined Luka on the All-NBA First Team last season. He’s averaging 30.1 points, 5.6 rebounds, and 6.3 assists and looking to lead the Thunder back to the playoffs after four years.
Luka and Shai’s draft class also gave us point guard talents such as Trae Young and Jalen Brunson. Outside of just 2018, we have the likes of Tyrese Maxey, Darius Garland, and LaMelo Ball, who also emerged as potentially elite point guards. The new generation is here and willing to step up to the likes of Dame to tell them their time is about to be over.
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