Doc Rivers Salutes Damian Lillard's 'Unbelievable' Performance in Game 1 vs. Pacers

Karl Rasmussen | Apr 21, 2024

Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard in Game 1 vs. the Indiana Pacers. / Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

The Milwaukee Bucks were without Giannis Antetokounmpo for Sunday's playoff opener against the Indiana Pacers, but it was immediately clear who would be handling majority of the offensive duties in his absence.

Damian Lillard was red hot out of the gate during Game 1, scoring 35 points—all in the first half—as the Bucks cruised to a 109–94 victory at home at Fiserv Forum.

Lillard's dominant outing earned some major praise from coach Doc Rivers after the game, who credited the point guard's big first half as one of the main factors in Milwaukee's victory.

"He carried us. He was unbelievable," said Rivers of Lillard's first-half performance.

“He carried us. He was unbelievable.”

Bucks HC Doc Rivers on Dame’s performance in Game 1 pic.twitter.com/RB5IX2mEOu

— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 22, 2024

Lillard's 35 points were the most in a first half of a playoff game in Bucks' franchise history, and the team was able to secure a comfortable win despite the 33-year-old not adding to his tally after halftime.

The eight-time All-Star shot 11-of-24 from the field, draining six threes and knocking down all seven of his free throw attempts. He also contributed three assists and six rebounds across 38 minutes.

Milwaukee will look to pick up another win in Game 2 on Tuesday at home before the series shifts to Indianapolis for Games 3 and 4. With Antetokounmpo's availability not yet clear, Lillard could be in line for another big outing in the second game of the series.