Damian Lillard Scores 35, Wows NBA Fans; Bucks Top Haliburton ...
Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images
Many wondered how the Milwaukee Bucks would fare in their first-round matchup against the Indiana Pacers without Giannis Antetokounmpo. Damian Lillard made sure they fared well.
The star point guard led the Bucks to a 109-94 win over the Pacers behind a 35-point outburst, handling business with Antetokounmpo sidelined with a strained calf.
Lillard got off to a blazing start with 19 points in the first quarter alone. He finished the first half with 35 points, giving Milwaukee a comfortable 69-42 lead. Lillard's scoring stalled in the second half with the Pacers bringing double teams, but with a sizeable lead, the Bucks didn't need much from him to pick up the win.
Lillard's big scoring night drew plenty of praise from NBA fans in awe of his performance.
Can we please check the size of the hoop that Damian Lillard is currently shooting at <a href="https://twitter.com/NBA?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@NBA</a>?
Looking like tap the Rollie Dame is in the building… it's Dame time? Shyt let's see ???? <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAPlayoffs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBAPlayoffs</a>
Yeah <a href="https://twitter.com/Dame_Lillard?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Dame_Lillard</a> is INSANE! The man is ELITE! Him & Ant the two I'm most excited to watch all playoffs!
Lillard is going to work right now!!!!
Dame is on one
Dame MF Dolla!!! He's just getting started ladies and gentlemen. Like I said he will be the best player in this series! Carry the hell on…
dame rn <a href="https://t.co/FBzsjPi2HX">pic.twitter.com/FBzsjPi2HX</a>
Dame 29, Pacers 29. <a href="https://t.co/owiJ4uXTiO">pic.twitter.com/owiJ4uXTiO</a>
Damian Lillard goes OFF in the first quarter with 19 points ????<br><br>This ties the highest-scoring opening quarter of his playoff career. <a href="https://t.co/y2QclQIeOE">pic.twitter.com/y2QclQIeOE</a>
LILLARD DEEP 3 AT THE BUZZER ????<br><br>19-point 1st Q for Dame Dolla ???? <a href="https://t.co/Ge2jffdB5B">pic.twitter.com/Ge2jffdB5B</a>
At halftime:<br><br>Dame — Pacers —<br>35 PTS 40 PTS<br>11-19 FG 16-45 FG<br>6-10 3P 3-18 3P <a href="https://t.co/srDZp6DCAd">pic.twitter.com/srDZp6DCAd</a>
Dame has 29. Pacers have 29. <a href="https://t.co/XItqDp23ei">pic.twitter.com/XItqDp23ei</a>
We are watching a Master At Work!!! Stop that Dame. God Bless America
Damian Lillard just recorded the most points in a half in Bucks playoff history ‼️<br><br>35 PTS <br>6 3PM<br>11-19 FGM<br><br>Watch the 2nd half of IND-MIL on TNT ???? <a href="https://t.co/gZ5amB8rQH">pic.twitter.com/gZ5amB8rQH</a>
DAME TIME ⌚️ <a href="https://t.co/mlQ6HxAGw8">pic.twitter.com/mlQ6HxAGw8</a>
Now Milwaukee is in charge in the first-round series despite missing Antetokounmpo. The win has to give Bucks fans confidence and reassurance that they can manage until Antetokounmpo is back on the floor.
If Milwaukee can get past Indiana without Antetokounmpo, it will be in great shape to make a Finals run when he can return.
The second game of the best-of-seven series between the Bucks and the Pacers will take place Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. ET.
