Milwaukee Bucks fans must be relieved after learning Damian Lillard’s status for Tuesday’s NBA Cup Championship game against the Oklahoma City Thunder. After missing the Bucks’ practice on Monday with a calf injury, Lillard spoke to the media and confirmed his status for the game.

“It was just some discomfort… I went through treatment to get ahead of tomorrow,” Lillard said, via ClutchPoint’s NBA Insider Brett Siegel. “I know I’m playing.”

Lillard has only missed three games, but has not missed an NBA Cup game. In the two games he has 28 and 25 points respectively. Giannis Antetokounmpo complemented his perimeter game wonderfully. The two-man game between Antetokounmpo and Lillard has secured the previous NBA Cup success.

Both can play against each other. Lillard’s perimeter-centric game opens up space for Giannis to attack the paint. Not to mention that the role players have made good progress. Bobby Portis, AJ Green and Gary Trent Jr. also praised the dynamic duo. Additionally, the Bucks will need Lillard all 48 minutes against a strong defensive Thunder team.

The presence of Damian Lillard does wonders for the Bucks

Although statistics appear, it is Lillard’s presence that has surpassed the Bucks during their NBA Cup run. As mentioned, the two-man game between him and Antetokounmpo is impressive. However, his game has reached a new level. He is averaging 7.5 assists per game, the best of his career. Not everyone goes to Greek Freak. He passes the love on to his teammates.

Luckily for Milwaukee, they incorporated a theme throughout the run. Unfinished business. Lillard had taken the Bucks’ mantra 100% seriously before advancing to the championship game. Reaching the final game doesn’t mean the point guard wants to miss it. Even if he’s hurt, he’ll play through it. After a 2-8 start, the Bucks are peaking at the right time. They exploit this dynamic like crazy.

If the Bucks also secure the NBA Cup championship trophy, it will make an incredible impression on assistant coach Darvin Ham. He didn’t lose a single cup game. After all, the Los Angeles Lakers secured their first trophy last season. That’s not the point, but Milwaukee will stick to its mantra of unfinished business until the final game.

For Lillard, he hopes to master the league’s best defense in a winner-take-all atmosphere. His experience, shooting and chemistry with Antetokounmpo and his teammates could be the deciding factor in winning the NBA Cup trophy.