Damian Lillard has ushered the Milwaukee Bucks to victory in their first game of the 2024 playoffs. What is even more impressive is that the Bucks defeated the Indiana Pacers by 109-94 in the absence of their star player Giannis Antetokounmpo. And it was Damian’s domination, backed by Khris Middleton, that made this happen. After this gameplay by Dame against the Pacers, ex-NBA star Kendrick Perkins could not help but praise the 33-year-old.

“We are watching a Master At Work!!! Stop that Dame. God Bless America,” the 2008 NBA champ posted on X. Notably, Lillard scored 35 points against the Pacers in the first game of their first round of playoffs. However, this is not the first time that Perkins has spoken highly of Lillard. In fact, when the Bucks acquired Dame in a three-team deal in 2023, Perkins believed that Dame and Giannis would surpass Nikola Jokic and Jamal Murray as the favorite duo to most likely claim the 2024 NBA Championship.

“… How teams can stop Jamal Murray and Jokic and the two-man game? We’re going to see the same thing with Damian Lillard and Giannis… Matter of fact, this is who I got winning the NBA championship right now. My early prediction, they are the favorite,” he told Elle Duncan on ESPN’s ‘SportsCenter’ back in 2023. And Damian Lillard has proved his worth with the Bucks without fail.

The 33-year-old has averaged 24.3 points, 4.4 rebounds, and 7.0 assists playing for the Bucks in the 2023-24 season. Though this stat line may not be up with this season’s top scorers like Giannis or Luka Doncic, Lillard has been consistent with his performance. Of the 73 games played this season, he scored 20 or more points in 51 games for the Bucks. And this consistency has continued in the most crucial time for the Bucks. 

A closer look into the Bucks vs Pacers’ first game in the playoffs

The Bucks were in a concerning situation ahead of their Game 1 against the Pacers as they entered the matchup with Giannis missing. The Greek Freak has not played since April 9 because of his strained calf. However, Lillard along with Middleton did not let the team suffer because of Antetokounmpo’s absence.

The Bucks asserted dominance from the first quarter itself, gaining a lead of  30-21. This continued in the second quarter as well, and although the Pacers made a comeback in the third quarter, it was not enough to overpower the Bucks in today’s game.

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Notably, the highest score from the game came from Pacers’ Pascal Siakam (36 points) but the team failed to contribute as a unit like the Bucks. Apart from Dame’s 35 points, Khris scored 23 points, 10 rebounds, and 4 assists. Moreover, Bobby Portis Jr.’s 15 points 11 rebounds, and 11 points by Brook Lopez proved to be a crucial contribution. Meanwhile, the only support Pascal got from his team was Myles Turner’s 17 points and 8 rebounds.

This can be a concerning situation for the Pacers as the Bucks seem to be in terrific form even without Giannis. And the 29-year-old is expected to return soon. Tyrese Haliburton (9 points, 8 assists) and co. will need to pull up their socks if they want to have any chance of winning this series.