Damian Lillard emerged as the hero for the Milwaukee Bucks in their Eastern Conference playoff opener against the Indiana Pacers. With Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined due to a strained left calf, Lillard took center stage, scoring all 35 of his points in the first half. His remarkable performance not only set a Bucks record for points in a half during playoffs but also showcased his ability to carry the team in Antetokounmpo’s absence.
Despite missing their star player, the Bucks managed to maintain control throughout the game. Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis provided valuable support, with Middleton contributing 23 points and 10 rebounds, and Portis adding 15 points and 11 rebounds. Their collective effort helped secure a convincing 109-94 victory over the Pacers in Game 1 of the series.
On the other side, Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with an impressive 36-point, 13-rebound performance. However, Indiana struggled from beyond the arc, shooting just 8 of 39 from 3-point range. Despite their offensive challenges, the Pacers showed resilience in the second half, narrowing the gap after initially trailing by a significant margin.
The Pacers, making their first playoff appearance since 2020, aimed to advance past the opening round for the first time since 2014. Despite the loss, they displayed determination and fought back in the second half, briefly threatening the Bucks’ lead before Milwaukee regained control.
Game 2 of the series is set for Tuesday in Milwaukee, where the Bucks will look to build on their Game 1 success. Lillard’s extraordinary performance in the first half set the tone for the team, highlighting his ability to step up in crucial moments. However, the Bucks will likely seek to maintain their momentum while also addressing their defensive strategy to contain Siakam and the Pacers’ offense more effectively.
While Lillard’s scoring dominance waned in the second half, his early contributions proved pivotal in securing the Bucks’ victory. As the series progresses, both teams will adjust their game plans, making each matchup unpredictable. The absence of Antetokounmpo adds an additional layer of uncertainty for the Bucks, but Lillard’s stellar performance offers reassurance of their depth and resilience.
