Doc Rivers couldn’t be any happier with what Damian Lillard showcased to carry the Giannis Antetokounmpo-less Milwaukee Bucks against the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of their NBA Playoffs series.
The Bucks head coach particularly took note of Lillard’s mentality in the game, highlighting that his superstar guard is really one-of-a-kind.
Damian Lillard’s Monster Game 1 for Milwaukee Bucks

The Bucks entered Sunday’s Game 1 surrounded with plenty of concerns. Amid Antetokounmpo’s injury and uncertain return date, many have counted them out against a Pacers team that went 4-1 against them during the regular season.
However, Lillard proved to everyone that their confidence heading to the game wasn’t unfounded. Dame Time showed up right from the start, exploding for 35 first-half points to give them a 27-point lead at halftime.
The Pacers beefed up their defense on Lillard in the second half and didn’t allow him to get anything going, and sure enough, he wasn’t able to score. But with the attention he got from the defense, it opened up opportunities for his teammates to score.
Khris Middleton added 23 points, 15 of which came in the second half. Sixth Man of the Year finalist Bobby Portis and Brook Lopez tallied 15 and 11 points, respectively, as the Bucks came away with the 109-94 victory.
Of course the Bucks defense also deserves plenty of credit for the win. But at the end of the day, the win wouldn’t have been possible had Lillard not erupted to start the game.
Milwaukee Bucks Coach Doc Rivers Speak On Damian Lillard’s Game 1 Explosion

Speaking to reporters postgame, Doc Rivers was full of compliments for Damian Lillard, admitting that he was the reason for their win. The Milwaukee Bucks coach then broke down how well Dame Time played, noting that he was “under control” but aggressive.
“He carried us. He was unbelievable. I thought he just played under control. Very aggressive, which is the way we wanted him. I thought our pick setting in the first half especially was phenomenal,” Rivers explained, via Bally Sports.
“We’re a slip team and we didn’t slip tonight. We slipped the first one actually, and after that, we worked on setting picks the entire four days off just to give him room. The other thing the biggest difference I thought was that he started the game going downhill and then the game came out. Like he started the game attacking the basket. That’s what we talked about. Get to the basket, get to the paint, and then the floor will open up and I thought that’s where the threes led after the attack. So, it was really good.”

Rivers then went on to emphasize that Lillard’s “prizefighter mentality” really showed in his hot start.
“He’s got that prizefighter-like mentality. It’s almost like he was training for the fight and then when the bell rings, he seems to be ready. That’s his mentality and that’s how he plays,” Rivers added.
There’s really nothing bad anyone can say about Lillard’s performance. But sure enough, Bucks fans are hoping he can replicate that come Game 2, especially with Giannis Antetokounmpo’s injury status still undetermined.

For More Wisconsin Sports:
Follow us on Twitter at @WiSportsHeroics. Also, check out our Merchandise Here! Get 20% off with the code “WSH.” To read more of our articles and keep up to date on the latest in ALL of Wisconsin sports, click here! Green Bay Packers, Milwaukee Brewers, Milwaukee Bucks, Wisconsin Badgers.