Damian Lillard made a remarkable start, ensuring the Milwaukee Bucks could handle their playoff opener without Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Lillard scored all 35 of his points before halftime, leading the Milwaukee Bucks to a 109-94 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Sunday, while Antetokounmpo watched from the bench.
“I don’t think it’s all up to me, but I know I need to be more aggressive and assertive,” Lillard said. “In the playoffs, it’s about setting a tone.
We’re going to face this team many times, and you want to establish yourself, especially on your home court. That was my mindset, to come out and set the tone.”
The Bucks relied on Lillard’s performance in the absence of Antetokounmpo, who is uncertain to return due to a strained left calf that also kept him out of Milwaukee’s final three regular-season games. Game 2 of the playoff series is scheduled for Tuesday in Milwaukee.
Lillard set a Bucks record for points in either half of a playoff game. Despite not scoring in the second half and attempting only five shots as the Pacers focused on defending him, Lillard had already made a significant impact by then.
“Bucks coach Doc Rivers described him as having the mentality of a prizefighter, always ready for the challenge when it comes.”
“This was Lillard’s first playoff game since 2021. He played for the Portland Trail Blazers for 11 seasons before joining the Bucks through a trade.”
“Lillard expressed his frustration with missing the playoffs for the past two years. He mentioned how he missed the intensity of playoff basketball after enjoying early vacations, like going to Coachella last year, something he hadn’t been able to do before.”
“Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 36 points and 13 rebounds. Despite averaging the highest points per game in the regular season, the Pacers struggled from beyond the arc, shooting 8 of 39.”
“The Pacers, who won four of their five regular-season games against the Bucks, are back in the playoffs for the first time since 2020. However, they haven’t progressed past the first round since 2014.”
