The new-face Milwaukee Bucks played their first-ever postseason game tonight, clouded with uncertainties behind Giannis Antetokounmpo‘s absence. The athletic Greek was sidelined after missing the season’s last 3 games because of a calf injury. However, the Bucks’ early-season move to bring in Damian Lillard finally reaped rewards. He torched the Indiana Pacers with a quick 35 points in the first half and never scored again in the game.

With that, the Milwaukee Bucks perfectly captured the spark they anticipated from the 2024 All-Star MVP. Showcasing a brief in-game glimpse, the Bucks’ official social handle posted Damian Lillard’s loud “This is what ya’ll brought me here for” assertion after he set the Bucks’ record for most points before halftime. Alongside his 11-24 shooting, Dame added 6 rebounds and 3 assists. Before the series began, several analysts and experts picked the Bucks to fall in Giannis’ absence. The idea sprung behind the Indiana Pacers‘ high-scoring offense posing questions about Damian Lillard’s caliber.

After all, the Pacers led the season in scoring with 123.3 points per game. The Bucks sat at the 4th spot (119 points) and were supposed to lose an efficient 30 points in the playoffs that Giannis brings to on a nightly basis. Luckily, Dame realizes the dynamics of a playoff series, as it resonated with his “every game will be a different game” remark post-game. With that, his leaning towards enabling his teammates on offense plays a bigger role.

Along with Damian Lillard, the Bucks harmonized their stomping!

“First half was embarrassing. No excuses,” Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle claimed, citing Indiana’s 27-point deficit at halftime. However, they soon mounted a 9-0 run, clipping the trail to just 12 points. As Damian Lillard’s hot streak came to an end through his 5 missed shots in the second half, Jae Crowder and Michael Beasley helped whip a 16-6 run in the final quarter.

Moreover, Khris Middleton scored 15 of his 23 points and 10 rebounds in the latter stretches as Patrick Beverly hit a late-game three right after checking in from the bench. Additionally, Bobby Portis Jr posted a 15-point and 11-rebound double-double. Playing to fulfill Giannis’ minutes, Portis ensured that the Bucks could hold their end throughout the series. Or at least for one more game, as they host the Pacers again on Tuesday before heading to Indianapolis for Games 3 and 4.

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Moving forward, there is a possibility that the only time Giannis steps on the court, it might be during timeouts. The Bucks can be without Giannis for the coming games, with a possibility of playing the entire series with his void. With that, Dame’s decision to create opportunities for his teammates, and to allow his teammates to find their rhythm becomes important.

As much as fans want Damian Lillard to takeover, it could be too taxing for Dame to embark with a mindset of doing the same each game. Lillard had the opportunity to break Giannis’ record for most points in a playoff game (50). However, he understood the longer ball-game can only be won when the entire roster plays with confidence; for which, they need their own share of real-time touches and attempts.