Legendary NBA color commentator Hubbie Brown has decided to call it quits. After working closely with the NBA for nearly 50 years, the 91-year-old called his last game on February 9, 2025. While the Milwaukee Bucks had a pleasant outing with a 135-127 triumph over the Philadelphia 76ers, staff, coaches, and players paid their respects soon after the game was done and dusted. And one particular athlete who could not stop honoring the legend was Damian Lillard.
Damian Lillard had a decent outing against the 76ers. On the back of his 43-point performance, the Bucks were able to outpower the 76ers. Celebrating the victory, Lillard said it was ‘mandatory’ for him to honor the pioneer of the NBA commentary.
“Where our league is, what we’re able to do as a brotherhood and as a league, you gotta pay respects to the people that paved the way,” Lillard opined. He further added, “I know [Hubie Brown] started when he was 24 years old and now, his last game when he’s 91. That’s a lifelong investment, care and love into the game. It’s mandatory we pay our respects to him.
Damian Lillard pays homage to Hubie Brown:
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) February 9, 2025
“You gotta pay love and respect to the people that paved the way and the people that have been around from the beginning… It’s mandatory that we pay our respect to him.”
(via @ESPNNBA, h/t @ClutchPoints) pic.twitter.com/TVpxc4d90H
Meanwhile, this was not the only time that Lillard had stepped up to voice his opinions in favor of a legend. Recently, the Bucks’ star also defended the legacy of James Harden.
Damian Lillard Defends James Harden Despite Loss
Back in late January, the Milwaukee Bucks locked horns against the Los Angeles Clippers. Unfortunately, owing to a fantastic 40-point performance from James Harden, the Bucks lost the game 117-127. Soon after the game, Lillard took Harden’s side and defended him against the critics who were trolling him earlier.
“I think the era we’re in right now you got people on the internet, in the media, and on TV that don’t watch games. They make it appear like guys can’t get it done anymore. And you see a guy like [Harden] come out and get 40,” Lillard stated.
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Damian Lillard:
— Legion Hoops (@LegionHoops) January 26, 2025
“I think the era we’re in right now, you got people on the internet, in the media and on TV that don’t watch games. They make it appear like guys can’t get it done anymore. And you see a guy like [Harden] come out and get 40… It’s a reason he’s one of the… pic.twitter.com/9IJpkpBn9k
He further referred to Harden as one of the greatest players to have ever graced the NBA. Thus, it is evident that Damian Lillard believes in showing respect to those who deserve it. Now, he would need to build on his image further with some more solid performances like he had against the 76ers recently.
