Damian Lillard made everyone agree this Sunday evening when the Milwaukee Bucks entered the fray in these 2024 NBA playoffs. The former leader of the Portland Trail Blazers had not reached this part of the season since 2021. For his big comeback, and without an injured Giannis Antetokounmpo, he quickly showed his composure, scoring 19 points in the first quarter and 35 at the break.
« That’s why you brought me here! » Here are the words spoken by Damian Lillard while beating his chest in the direction of the Milwaukee fans. Last night, the Bucks leader shocked everyone by achieving a very, very high level first half during the first game of the 2024 playoffs. With Giannis Antetokounmpotwo-time NBA MVP, sidelined due to calf strain, Lillard carried the Bucks in a 109-94 victory over the Pacers.
Victor Wembanyama: The complete review of his crazy first season in the NBA! pic.twitter.com/UR1TeSy6II
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A first since 2019
By halftime, he had a playoff-high 35 points (19 in the first quarter and 16 in the second). This is the highest score of any NBA player in the playoffs since Kevin Durant scored 38 for the Warriors against the Clippers in 2019. Concretely, it’s the kind of feat the Bucks dreamed of when they added Lillard to their roster last summer. Without Antetokounmpo Furthermore.
Damian Lillard sets the tone, then fades
But surprisingly, Lillard didn’t score a single point in the second half. Not to worry, Milwaukee’s 27-point halftime lead was more than enough to withstand Indiana’s second-half effort. Lillard thus finished the match with 35 points, six rebounds and three assists. He made 11 of 24 shots from the field, including 6 of 11 from 3-point range. “ In the playoffs, it’s about setting the tone. We’re going to see this team a lot and you want to establish yourself, especially at home. That was my mentality, to go out and try to set the tone that way. ” said Lillard after the game.
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