Damian Lillard’s Explosive 1st Half Propels Bucks to Victory Over Pacers in Playoff Opener Without Giannis

Damian Lillard Leads Bucks to Victory in Playoff Opener Without Giannis Antetokounmpo

In a stunning performance, Damian Lillard scored all 35 of his points before halftime to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 109-94 victory over the Indiana Pacers in their playoff opener. With Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined due to a strained left calf, Lillard stepped up to set the tone for the Bucks on their home floor.

Lillard, who was acquired by the Bucks in a trade after spending 11 seasons with the Portland Trail Blazers, made a statement in his first postseason game since 2021. His aggressive play and scoring prowess set a Bucks record for points in either half of a playoff game.

Despite the Pacers’ efforts to slow him down in the second half, Lillard’s early dominance proved to be too much for Indiana to overcome. Pascal Siakam had a strong performance for the Pacers with 36 points and 13 rebounds, but it wasn’t enough to counter Lillard’s offensive onslaught.

The Bucks, who hadn’t scored fewer than 99 points in the regular season, showcased their depth as Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis contributed with solid performances. Milwaukee’s strong start and commanding lead at halftime set the tone for the rest of the game, as they maintained a double-digit lead throughout the second half.

Indiana’s coach, Rick Carlisle, acknowledged his team’s poor performance in the first half and emphasized the need for a better start in the next game. The Pacers will look to bounce back in Game 2, while the Bucks aim to continue their winning ways without Antetokounmpo in the lineup.

Overall, Lillard’s explosive start and the Bucks’ collective effort proved to be the difference-maker in a thrilling playoff opener that showcased the team’s resilience and determination in the face of adversity.