In the Bucks’ win against the Hornets, something subtle yet significant stood out. On their very first possession, the Bucks ran not one but two pick-and-rolls involving Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. The sequence didn’t result in points, but it showcased a growing comfort and willingness to lean into their two-man game. This was a contrast to much of last season when Giannis and Dame often seemed hesitant to utilize the pick-and-roll dynamic fans had eagerly anticipated. Their chemistry, while promising in theory, took time to develop on the court. Even at the start of this season, the duo performed great on an individual level but lacked the cohesion to fully maximize their collective potential.
However, over the past several games, something has changed. The Bucks are starting to build momentum, and Giannis and Dame are leading the way. With their 125-119 victory over the Hornets, Milwaukee improved to 8-9 on the season, showing signs of the team fans envisioned when Lillard joined the squad. Here’s how the star duo has evolved—and why their growing synergy matters.
Giannis and Dame: How Milwaukee’s Star Duo is Starting to Click
The Early Challenges: Misjudging Giannis’ Role
The initial disappointment surrounding the duo’s pick-and-roll play wasn’t entirely fair—it stemmed from a misjudgment of Giannis’ role. During Jason Kidd’s tenure as head coach, Giannis was groomed as a primary ball-handler, tasked with attacking the rim full-court while simultaneously creating for others. Over the years, this ballhandling role became central to his game. Unlike a traditional big man, who thrives as a screener, Giannis’ instincts were often to attack or facilitate rather than set hard screens.
On the other hand, Lillard entered the Bucks after years of running pick-and-rolls in Portland as the primary scorer. He wasn’t accustomed to working with a teammate of Giannis’ caliber—a player capable of dominating both as a roller and a playmaker. It’s no surprise that last season, Dame leaned heavily on Brook Lopez‘s screens, which were more consistent and familiar to his style of play.
The adjustment period was longer than expected, and Giannis’ screen-setting came under scrutiny. Critics often pointed out his tendency to rush through screens or set them too high, limiting the offense’s efficiency. These struggles contributed to a lack of fluidity between the two stars.
Signs of Progress: Building Chemistry
This season, however, the story has started to change. Giannis has made noticeable strides in his screen-setting, committing to the role with greater precision and physicality. The Bucks have also begun incorporating the pick-and-roll more frequently into their offense, and the results are starting to show.
The duo’s chemistry is no longer theoretical—it’s becoming tangible. Plays like Lillard orchestrating a slip screen for Giannis to create an open lane, Giannis setting a strong screen to free Lillard for an open shot, or Dame delivering a perfectly timed pass to Giannis at the rim are becoming more common. They’re starting to read each other’s tendencies and timing, resulting in a more natural and dynamic partnership.
Why This Matters for the Bucks
The improved chemistry between Giannis and Dame couldn’t come at a better time. After a slow start to the season, the Bucks are starting to show signs of life. Their offense is becoming more fluid, and their defense has started to climb back into respectability.
For the Bucks to make noise in the Eastern Conference, their two superstars need to maximize their partnership. The pick-and-roll will always be an important tool, but what’s truly exciting is how they’ve started to adapt it to their unique strengths. With Giannis becoming more effective as a screener and Dame learning to use Giannis’ gravity to his advantage, the Bucks are beginning to unlock the potential fans envisioned when the trade was made.
What’s Next for Giannis and Dame in Milwaukee?
While there’s still work to be done, the signs are encouraging. Giannis and Dame are finding their rhythm and building the trust necessary for a championship run. Milwaukee’s 8-9 record might not reflect their potential yet, but with their stars leading the way and the bench showing significant improvement, the Bucks’ ceiling is as high as it’s ever been.
