The Milwaukee Bucks may now celebrate the arrival of Dame Time.

On Thursday, one month after being traded away from the Portland Trail Blazers in a blockbuster deal, Damian Lillard led the Milwaukee Bucks to a 118-117 victory over the Philadelphia 76ers with a game-high 39 points on 9-of-20 shooting (4-for-12 from deep), eight rebounds, and four assists.

The number of points scored was a new high for a player making their debut with the Bucks.

The seven-time All-Star was the team’s best performer in the fourth quarter, scoring the Bucks’ final 11 points and hitting a clutch 3-pointer with about a minute left to give his team a five-point lead. Lillard was also flawless from the charity stripe, sinking all 17 of his attempts and sealing the deal with a pair of free throws with 12 seconds remaining.

A huge and-1 from a minute and a half ago is included.

Last month, the Bucks made a three-team deal with the Portland Trail Blazers and the Phoenix Suns to obtain Lillard. With Jrue Holiday, Deandre Ayton, Toumani Camara, and draft money, the Blazers were able to acquire Lillard from Milwaukee. Grayson Allen, Jusuf Nurki, Nassir Little, and Keon Johnson give the Suns much-needed depth.

The rationale behind the move was obvious. Known Lillard fan and Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo made it obvious he wanted more from the team before committing to an extension. The decision was made by the Bucks, and as a result, Antetokounmpo agreed to a three-year, $186 million agreement.

Milwaukee has a new power couple and a few of the role players from their 2021 NBA championship team. Thursday’s game ended with Antetokounmpo’s 23 points, 13 rebounds, 3 assists, 2 blocks, and 2 steals.

On Sunday, the Bucks will play the Atlanta Hawks in their next exhibition game.