In an unprecedented playoff performance, Damian Lillard exploded for 35 points in the first half of the Milwaukee Bucks’ victory over the Indiana Pacers on Sunday. Lillard’s remarkable display included 19 points in the first quarter alone, setting a Bucks record for points in either half of a postseason game.
However, Lillard’s scoring spree came to an abrupt halt in the second half. The Pacers implemented a staunch defense, containing Lillard with multiple defenders and forcing him to pass the ball to his teammates.
Lillard’s decision to play the long game and test the Bucks’ ability to score without him paid off. Khris Middleton, Bobby Portis, and Brook Lopez stepped up to take on a larger scoring role, while Lillard contributed as a decoy.
The Pacers, acknowledging Lillard’s first-half dominance, vowed to improve their defense to prevent a repeat performance. Despite Lillard’s extraordinary first half, the Bucks’ ability to adjust and spread the scoring load ultimately led them to a 109-94 victory.
