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Milwaukee Bucks sharpshooter Damian Lillard feeling comfortable firing 3-point shots from anywhere

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Milwaukee Bucks sharpshooter Damian Lillard feeling comfortable firing 3-point shots from anywhere


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Are we still debating the Milwaukee flag thing?

Here’s an idea: Use Damian Lillard’s three-pointers-made shot chart. It looks like a brilliant sunrise emerging from Lake Michigan, especially with the longest streaks filling up the horizon – marking Lillard’s ridiculously long-distance three-point makes from every part of the arc.

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It’s a thing of beauty for sure, even if Milwaukee Bucks coach Doc Rivers doesn’t want to look at it.

“I don’t want to − too scary,” Rivers said.

While Lillard’s three-point shooting has ticked downward a bit since he arrived in Milwaukee a season and a half ago, the newest member of the NBA’s 22,000-points-scored club is such a threat from anywhere beyond the three-point line that it becomes a game within the game to see how far back he’ll line up and shoot.

It’s a more naturally looking shot now, too, after he just needed some time to get more comfortable with Milwaukee’s offensive structure and personnel.

In Lillard’s final four seasons in Portland, from 2019-23, he averaged 10.2, 10.5, 9.8 and 11.3 three-point attempts per game – all among the highest averages for his career.

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But when he first got to Milwaukee, that average dipped to 8.5 last season.

Lillard was acquired by the Bucks in part for his three-point marksmanship but an adjustment period was needed. Not only was Lillard trying to fit in with the guards and forwards, and take over at point, it’s good to remember that Lillard joined a team with three bigs – Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis and Giannis Antetokounmpo – who consistently shot threes. Lopez is among the best-shooting big men all-time in the NBA – ninth overall with 1,014.

This season, Lillard is taking more threes, and making 3.5 of 8.9 attempts on average. He’s ranked 12th in the NBA in made threes.

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Antetokounmpo has attempted only 26 three-pointers all year and in some games has appeared to abandon the shot altogether in favor of his newly minted mid-range shot, which has been effective.

Meanwhile, recovering from double ankle surgery and coming off the bench, Khris Middleton’s three-point numbers are also significantly down.

The Bucks want the three-point shot to remain a proficient way of scoring and there’s no doubt that it’s Lillard’s shot to take freely. Rivers said that he asks nothing of Lillard when it comes to where he can fire from long range, whether it’s a 24-, 26- or 28-footer and beyond.

“Him and Brook − I think they’re having a competition working: who can make the furthest three?” Rivers said. “They both shoot them easy, but Dame’s range … when you think about his size and how deep he can shoot, and it’s easy for him − it’s pretty amazing.”

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Lillard kind of makes a face ‘are you serious’ when asked: He doesn’t study the analytics or the shot chart. He’s been known for his three-pointers his whole career. The analytics are for us. For the 6-foot-2 veteran, it’s all about reading the defense before him.

“I take them because I can make them and it forces the defense to play from further out,” Lillard said. “And I have more space to attack downhill, just because I know I can make that shot. So that’s it. I don’t look at like, you said, the shot chart of where I’m shooting at.”

The three-point line is 22 feet away from the corners and stretches out to 23 feet, 9 inches at the arc, and Lillard has taken 248 shots − by far his most − from 25 to 29 feet this year. He’s made 98.

“I think it’s just cleaner looks. It’s not as good of a contest, it’s not as much of a crowd so deep,” Lillard said. “That probably has something to do with it, just a more comfortable shot because of the lack of pressure and contest.”

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Either way, it’s up to him, where to line up and shoot; Rivers said he extends the same freedom to Lillard on the three that he does to Antetokounmpo for the mid-range.

“I have none, Dame, Giannis,” Rivers said. “You know, I keep saying it, that’s the restrictions. When you give them freedom, you know they have to restrict themselves on and take shots that they think they can make. And when they don’t, they actually know it. They’ll glance over at me every once in a while. I just smile back.”



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Milwaukee, WI

Milwaukee Weather: Mild and breezy Saturday, slight chance of showers

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Milwaukee Weather: Mild and breezy Saturday, slight chance of showers


Forecast from FOX6 Meteorologist Lisa Michaels

Partly sunny skies on Saturday with a slight chance for a few sprinkles or a shower.
Temperatures warmer on Saturday in the mid to upper 60s. Isolated 70s near the border. Breezy with winds gusting near 30mph.
Cooler temperatures in the upper 50s on Sunday (Mother’s Day) with increasing clouds. Patchy frost Saturday night into Sunday and Sunday night into Monday.
Next chance of rain and storms arrives on Tuesday.

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Today:    Partly sunny. A few showers possible. Breezy.
High:     67°
Wind:     NW 10-25

Tonight:  Partly cloudy. Patchy frost.
Low:      42°
Wind:     NW  5-10

Sunday:   Increasing clouds.
High:     57°
Wind:     NW 5-15

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Monday:   Mostly sunny.
AM Low:   39°                   High:  59°
Wind:     E 5-10

Tuesday:  Warm and windy. Chance storms.
AM Low:   42°                   High:  68°
Wind:     SW 10-25

Wednesday:Partly sunny.
AM Low:   46°                   High:  59°
Wind:     NW 5-15

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Thursday: Mostly sunny.
AM Low:   42°                   High:  64°
Wind:     S 5-10
 

6-day planner

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FOX6 Weather Extras

Local perspective:

Meanwhile, FOX6Now.com offers a variety of extremely useful weather tools to help you navigate the stormy season. They include the following:  

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FOX6 Storm Center app

FOX LOCAL Mobile app

FOX Weather app

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FOX Weather

Big picture view:

Maps and radar

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We have a host of maps and radars on the FOX6 Weather page that are updating regularly — to provide you the most accurate assessment of the weather. From a county-by-county view to the Midwest regional radar and a national view — it’s all there.

School and business closings

When the weather gets a little dicey, schools and businesses may shut down. Monitor the latest list of closings, cancellations, and delays reported in southeast Wisconsin.

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FOX6 Weather Experts in social media

WeatherDaily ForecastMilwaukee



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Milwaukee, WI

Bobby Portis and his mom share the story behind his foundation while honoring Milwaukee teachers

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Bobby Portis and his mom share the story behind his foundation while honoring Milwaukee teachers


MILWAUKEE, Wis. — The Bobby Portis Foundation hosted a luncheon Friday at Roosevelt Middle School to honor teachers — many of whom are also mothers — with Mother’s Day and Teacher Appreciation Week overlapping on the calendar.

Portis and his mother, Tina Edwards, spent the day celebrating educators and reflecting on the mission behind the foundation.

“We just want to make sure that we let the teachers know you are appreciated because sometimes it goes beyond being a parent at home, but sometimes teachers are parents at school,” Edwards explained.

Ariel Campos, TMJ4 Sports

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Bobby Portis signs autographs for students at Roosevelt Middle School.

For Portis, a forward for the Milwaukee Bucks, the foundation has always been rooted in one person.

“The Bobby Portis Foundation has always just been solely based upon really my mom, and that’s the inspiration behind it,” Portis said.

WATCH: Bobby Portis and his mom share the story behind his foundation

Bobby Portis and his mom share the story behind his foundation while honoring Milwaukee teachers

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Growing up, Portis watched his mother raise four boys on her own.

“My mom worked tirelessly to take care of all four of us,” Portis said.

Edwards made sacrifices for her sons from the very beginning — including turning down a basketball scholarship after becoming pregnant with Bobby.

“I still was offered a scholarship after I had him, but I wanted to choose him over ball,” Edwards said.

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Tina Edwards (Bobby Portis

Tina Edwards

Tina Edwards turned down her college basketball scholarship to raise Bobby Portis as a single mom.

That sacrifice brought her full circle through her son’s career.

“With Bobby becoming an NBA player, he’s living my dream, and I’m living the dream through him,” Edwards shared.

For Portis, the event was an opportunity to honor everything his mother has given him.

“I can’t just put into words what my mom has done for me, not only for my basketball career – that’s just like a small portion of my life – I’m talking about just me as a human being, as a man. I mean, I didn’t have a dad growing up, so my mom played both roles. She did a hell of a job raising not only me but my three other brothers,” Portis said.

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His grandmother’s message to spread his blessings continues to drive his work.

“Being able to be in a position now to have a voice, to have a platform, to give back, to help inspire. I try to use it to the best of my abilities,” Portis said.

This story was reported on-air by a journalist and has been converted to this platform with the assistance of AI. Our editorial team verifies all reporting on all platforms for fairness and accuracy.


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Hey there! At TMJ4 News, we’re all about listening to our audience and tackling the stuff that really matters to you. Got a story idea, tip, or just want to chat about this piece? Hit us up using the form below. For more ways to get in touch, head over to tmj4.com/tips.

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Milwaukee, WI

Food trucks in Milwaukee brace for new curfew

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Food trucks in Milwaukee brace for new curfew


MILWAUKEE — Saturday is the start of the food truck curfew in downtown Milwaukee. That curfew was passed by the Common Council to address safety concerns after several violent incidents.


What You Need To Know

  • Alma Juarez is with Tacos Almita on Water Street in downtown Milwaukee. Juarez said since the city passed the curfew, she’s had just over two weeks to adjust
  • She said that means she may also have to start building up a news customer base
  • Last week Ald. Robert Bauman told Spectrum News that he’s aware of the economic burden the truck operators are facing. However, he said safety concerns are a bigger priority
  • He said he’s willing to take a hit on food trucks and prioritize the concerns of larger businesses


Alma Juarez is with Tacos Almita on Water Street in downtown Milwaukee. Juarez said since the city passed the curfew, she’s had just over two weeks to adjust.

“We’re trying to think what we’re going to do,” said Juarez. “Maybe we’re going to start in another place or move the food truck after 10 p.m., but that means we have to start over again.”

She said that means she may also have to start building up a news customer base.

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“Moving the truck means that… we have to struggle,” said Juarez.

Juarez is not alone in worrying about her financial future.

Last Thursday, a group of owners took their concerns to city hall. Jennifer Martinez, who’s with the food truck known as Tacos El Pastorcito Mixe, was at that demonstration. She said the late-night hours make up roughly 75% of her revenue.

“During the day, I’ve tried opening very early in the morning — 8 a.m. 9 a.m. — it doesn’t make a difference. There’s no… we don’t have much sales throughout the day,” said Martinez.

Ald. Robert Bauman represents downtown and was the sponsor of the ordinance.

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Last week he told Spectrum News that he’s aware of the economic burden the truck operators are facing. However, he said safety concerns are a bigger priority.

“And MPD (Milwaukee Police Department) has said on the record repeatedly that food trucks are a major contributing cause for the loitering and disorder that takes place on Water Street,” said Bauman, who represents District 4 in Milwaukee.

He said he’s willing to take a hit on food trucks and prioritize the concerns of larger businesses.

“If they feel that downtown is not safe anymore, they’ll either not come at all, or they’ll leave as soon as their event is over with and not spend any additional money in the downtown area,” said Bauman.

But Juarez said the city shouldn’t have to do that. She said she believes food trucks aren’t the cause of the problem.

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“You can see it in any places, but not here,” said Juarez. “It can happen here, but not in front of the food trucks cause they are saying that a lot of violence, a lot of the things that are going on is in front of the food truck. You can see that all the shooting happens after 1 a.m. or 3 a.m. Last shooting, it was after 1 a.m.”

Food truck owners said they hope to continue to turn a profit after the ordinance starts, but they said they face a potentially tough financial future.



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