Bucks' Damian Lillard on Giannis Antetokounmpo: 'We're Still Learning Each Other'

The combination of Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo hasn't been the best fit at times for the Milwaukee Bucks, and the former Portland Trail Blazers point guard recently reiterated that the duo is still working on their chemistry.

"We're still learning each other," Lillard told ESPN last week, per Jamal Collier. "If it would've been flipped and him coming to Portland to play with me, I would've already been comfortable because I've been here. He would have been trying to adapt and get comfortable and figure out how he fits in and maybe would have been a bit more passive in trying to learn the way. That's me right now."

Despite the inconsistencies, the Bucks are still third in the Eastern Conference with a 10-5 record following a 119-116 loss to the first-place Boston Celtics on Wednesday. They are just two games back of the No. 1 seed and should remain in contention for the top spot throughout the season.

Lillard's struggles in Milwaukee after spending the first 11 years of his career in Portland should have been expected as he gets acclimated to a new environment and new system. However, his shooting numbers are well below his average, causing some concern in Bucks nation.

The 33-year-old is shooting 40.2 percent from the floor and 32.5 percent from deep. He averaged 43.9 percent from the floor and 37.2 percent from beyond the arc during his career with the Trail Blazers.

The disconnect between Lillard and Antetokounmpo was on full display when the latter sat out a Nov. 15 matchup against the Toronto Raptors due to a calf injury. Lillard had his best game of the season, putting up 37 points, four rebounds and 13 assists in the win.

When Lillard and Antetokounmpo have been on the floor together this season, the Bucks have been outscored by 2.1 points per 100 possessions, according to Collier. The team's offensive efficiency with both players on the court is 110.1, which would rank 25h in the NBA.

Still, the Bucks are just 15 games into a long season, and Lillard isn't worried about his issues with Antetokounmpo lasting long term.

"It's such a long season, we don't want to be perfect right now," Lillard said. "Obviously, we want to be good. We want to be better than we have been, but we don't want to be perfect.

"I'm happy we've been having some success and have been able to win games as we go through the process."