Kendrick Perkins Issues A Challenge To Damian Lillard And Milwaukee Bucks

After eight-time NBA All-Star Damian Lillard joined the Milwaukee Bucks in September 2023, the 2021 NBA champions became title contenders. However, they faced an early playoff exit against the Indiana Pacers. Ahead of the 2024-25 regular season, 2008 NBA champion Kendrick Perkins discussed the intense pressure on Dame and the Bucks to win the championship.

The Milwaukee Bucks had a disappointing playoff run last season, and Damian Lillard’s quest to reach his first NBA Finals continued. During a show, ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins talked about the tremendous pressure of winning an NBA championship on the 34-year-old Lillard.

Perkins mentioned the defending champions, Boston Celtics and the New York Knicks, would be a problem for Milwaukee next season. The former Celtics center issued a subtle challenge to Lillard and the Bucks. He said, “Just making it to the playoffs or the conference finals is not enough. … We got to keep that same energy with Damian Lillard.”

“Just making it to the playoffs or the conference finals is not enough. … We got to keep that same energy with Damian Lillard.” 😳 @KendrickPerkins says Giannis and Dame are under pressure to win it all next season 👀 pic.twitter.com/WmlKRHljlY

— NBA on ESPN (@ESPNNBA) September 11, 2024

What Went Wrong For The Bucks Last Season?

The Bucks finished third in the Eastern Conference standings with a 49-33 record last season. However, two-time NBA MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo’s leg injury forced him to miss the playoffs. On the other hand, Damian Lillard powered the Bucks to win the first game but suffered an Achilles injury in the third game. Lillard missed Games 4 and 5 as Doc Rivers’ side lost the Eastern Conference first round against Tyrese Haliburton’s Pacers in six games.