Despite the absence of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks secured a 109-94 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of their opening-round playoff series. Damian Lillard led the Bucks with an impressive performance, scoring all of his 35 points in the first half. The Bucks now hold a 1-0 advantage in the series.
Damian Lillard led the Milwaukee Bucks to a 109-94 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of their NBA playoff series, despite the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo. Lillard scored 35 points in the first half, a franchise record for points in a playoff half, before cooling off and attempting only five shots in the second half. Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 36 points and 13 rebounds, but the team struggled from three-point range and couldn’t overcome Lillard’s early dominance. Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis also contributed to the Bucks’ win with 23 points and 15 points, respectively.
The Milwaukee Bucks are hoping Giannis Antetokounmpo will be available for Game 2 against the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday. Antetokounmpo missed Game 1 with a left soleus strain, but he is now officially listed as doubtful. If Antetokounmpo is unable to play, Damian Lillard will need to step up once again.
Damian Lillard exploded for 35 points in the first half, while Khris Middleton added a double-double of 23 points and 10 rebounds as the shorthanded Milwaukee Bucks cruised to a 109-94 victory over the Indiana Pacers in Game 1 of their playoff series.
Damian Lillard, acquired by the Milwaukee Bucks in the offseason, made a strong playoff return in Game 1 against the Indiana Pacers. He scored 35 points in the first half, helping the Bucks build a sizable lead that they held onto for a 109-94 victory. Giannis Antetokounmpo remains out due to injury, but Lillard has shown he can fill the void. The Pacers, meanwhile, are looking for their first playoff win since 2018.
The NBA playoffs continue with several key series underway. Milwaukee, Los Angeles, and Phoenix face challenges and opportunities in their respective matchups. Follow for the latest injury updates, game analysis, and insights on the Bucks, Clippers, and Suns’ playoff journeys.
The Milwaukee Bucks won Game 1 of their Eastern Conference semifinals series against the Indiana Pacers, despite the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo. The Pacers, who were hoping to capitalize on Antetokounmpo’s injury, struggled offensively and will need to improve in Game 2. The Bucks are uncertain about Antetokounmpo’s availability for Game 2, but the Pacers must perform better regardless.
Damian Lillard’s impressive first half with 35 points was overshadowed by a disappointing second half, leading to a missed over 35.5 points wager. Despite his early outburst, Lillard finished with only 3 assists, 1 rebound, and 2 turnovers. The under 7.5 assists prop was heavily bet on, while Lillard’s six first-half 3-pointers burned bettors on the under 3.5 prop. In Giannis Antetokounmpo’s absence, the Bucks will rely heavily on Lillard’s first-half energy to pull off the upset against the Pacers.
Damian Lillard delivered an extraordinary performance in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference playoffs, scoring all 35 of his points in the first half against the Indiana Pacers. Despite setting a Bucks record for points in a half, Lillard was held scoreless in the second half for the first time in NBA history. The Pacers’ defense adjusted to contain Lillard’s dominance, which allowed other Bucks players to step up and secure a 109-94 victory.
The NBA playoffs kicked off this weekend, and the action lived up to the hype. All eight Game 1s were won by the home team, the first time that has happened since 2013. Here are some of the key takeaways:
* The Denver Nuggets beat the Los Angeles Lakers 122-109, extending their winning streak against L.A. to nine games.
* The Boston Celtics set a franchise playoff record with 22 made 3-pointers, while Jayson Tatum recorded his first career playoff triple-double in a 118-107 win over the Miami Heat.
* The Philadelphia 76ers beat the New York Knicks 110-108, despite another injury scare for Joel Embiid.
* The Toronto Raptors dropped Game 1 to the Orlando Magic 118-95, as the Magic held them to 32.6% shooting from the field.
* The Milwaukee Bucks took a 1-0 series lead over the Miami Heat with a 109-102 win, as new acquisition Damian Lillard poured in 35 first-half points.
