It’s Damian Lillard’s world, we’re just living in it.
The Milwaukee Bucks showed out for game 1 in the 2024 NBA Playoffs series against the Indiana Pacers without Giannis Antetokounmpo, plowing over the Pacers for a 109-94 victory on Sunday night at Fiserv Forum.
Damian Lillard Shines in First Playoffs Appearance with Milwaukee Bucks
The Bucks were without Giannis Antetokounmpo, who’s sitting out Game 1 with a calf injury. However, that didn’t stop Milwaukee’s other stars from making the game their own. Damian Lillard came out of the gates full speed, draining three first-quarter threes, including a buzzer shot that brought the Bucks to a 27-21 lead at the end of one.
He wasn’t done yet, though. Lillard shot three more three-pointers, dominating on the court from both sides, stopping Indiana from shooting any baskets, and taking control offensively. By the half, Lillard had 35 points alone, while the Pacers had 42 as a whole team. Going into the second half, the Bucks led 69-42.
Lillard’s 35 points in the first half were the most points in a half in Bucks playoff history. He ended his night with six rebounds, and six three-point shots on top of his high scoring first half. According to AP Sports writer Tim Reynolds, Lillard now holds the record for the most points scored in the first half with zero scored in the second half of a game.
Most points in a half in Bucks playoff history.
🎰: @paysbig pic.twitter.com/1n53qpSRz5
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 22, 2024
Bobby Portis, Khris Middleton also show up and show out for Milwaukee
Lillard didn’t do all of the work for the Bucks, however. Bobby Portis was able to tack on eight second-quarter points, while Khris Middleton earned himself a double-double, coming up clutch in the second half to maintain Milwaukee’s lead. Middleton finished his night with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists, while Portis had 15 points, 11 rebounds, and one assist.
Other scorers included Brook Lopez with 11 and four rebounds, and Patrick Beverley had five points and seven rebounds. Off the bench, Malik Beasley drained a corner three in the fourth quarter to give Milwaukee a 20-point lead, and Pat Connaughton was able to get six points and two rebounds in 22 minutes of play.
For the Pacers, Pascal Siakam led the team with 36 points, 13 rebounds, and two assists in 40 minutes of play, Myles Turner had 17 points and eight rebounds, and Oshkosh native Tyrese Haliburton only had nine in his playoffs debut.
Game two of the series will be on Tuesday in Milwaukee. Tip-off is scheduled for 7:30PM.
For More Wisconsin Sports…
Follow me on Twitter at @sarahspooon and follow us at @WiSportsHeroics. You can also reach out to Sarah via email at sarahspooon@gmail.com. To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! We cover the Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers, and High School sports!
