Since his debut in the NBA in 2012-13, Bucks guard Damian Lillard has established himself as one of the league’s most regarded players. As it turns out, he has been able to leverage other sports to help him reach that level. ESPN’s Eric Woodyard recently penned a feature story about how boxing has improved the six-time All-Star’s basketball skills.

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Many of Lillard’s signature maneuvers, such as his pull-up jumper from more than 30 feet, are the result of ring practice. Lillard claims that his tough training program results in stronger legs once the season begins.

“I feel like my legs are a lot stronger because I train in the ring so much,” he said. “My legs don’t wear out as fast.

“[In boxing] you’ve got to keep moving. Your arms are up. I feel like I’ve been able to shoot the ball easier from deep probably because my shoulders are more broad now. I’m stronger up top because this is hard to do. It’s hard to keep your hands up, and you feel it. I feel like in small ways like that, it’s probably played a part.”

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He also provides insight into Lillard’s training regimen, which includes conditioning, strength, and power.

When Lillard is in training mode, he starts working out as early as 7 a.m., lifting and conditioning. Then he puts on the gloves and goes through eight to ten three-minute rounds on them. Lillard works on delivering proper jabs, combo punching, working from various angles, and repositioning his feet. He’s getting a feel for counterpunching by punching with his hips, snapping and following through on his punches, and shifting power into his shots.

As Lillard points out, boxing training has also benefited mentally by instilling a never-say-die attitude, even when the Bucks fall down in games. The piece also highlights Lillard’s childhood, the prevalence of boxing in his family growing up, and his ties with today’s best boxers.