Damian Lillard units Bucks’ postseason mark with 35 factors in opening half vs Pacers

MILWAUKEE (AP) — Damian Lillard set a Milwaukee Bucks postseason document by scoring 35 factors within the first half of Recreation 1 of their Japanese Convention first-round playoff collection with the Indiana Pacers on Sunday.

Lillard’s factors have been essentially the most by a Bucks participant in both half of a playoff sport. The Bucks’ single-game playoff scoring document is held by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who had 50 factors in a title-clinching Recreation 6 victory over the Phoenix Suns.

With Antetokounmpo on the bench nursing a strained left calf Sunday, the Bucks turned to Lillard early and infrequently.

Lillard had 19 factors within the opening interval, the very best particular person first-quarter whole in a playoff opener since a minimum of 1997. He had 38 factors by halftime, the very best particular person first-half whole in a playoff sport since Kevin Durant had 38 on the break for the Golden State Warriors in a 2019 first-round sport with the Los Angeles Clippers.

Lillard scored 16 of the Bucks’ first 20 factors, all within the opening 9 minutes. He capped his 19-point first quarter by hitting a step-back 3-pointer on the buzzer.

He additionally was fouled whereas making a 3-pointer and accomplished a four-point play that gave the Bucks a 30-point lead late within the first half.

Lillard shot 11 of 19 from the ground, 6 of 10 from 3-point vary and seven of seven on free-throw makes an attempt throughout that fabulous first-half efficiency.

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