Damian Lillard Shines With Record-Breaking Performance In Playoffs

• Lillard scored 35 points in first half, breaking Bucks' playoff record.

• He led Bucks' offense with Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined due to injury.

• Lillard scored 19 points in opening quarter, highest since 1997 in playoff opener.

Milwaukee Bucks' Damian Lillard gets past Indiana Pacers' Myles Turner during the first half of Game 1 of the NBA playoff basketball game Sunday, April 21, 2024, in Milwaukee. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)

AP

In Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Indiana Pacers, Damian Lillard made history by setting a new postseason record for the Bucks. Lillard scored an impressive 35 points in the first half of the game, surpassing any previous Bucks player's scoring performance in a single half during the playoffs.

With Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined due to a strained left calf, the Bucks heavily relied on Lillard to lead the team's offense. Lillard wasted no time making an impact, scoring 19 points in the opening quarter alone, marking the highest individual first-quarter total in a playoff opener since 1997.

By halftime, Lillard had accumulated a total of 38 points, setting a new record for the highest individual first-half scoring in a playoff game since Kevin Durant achieved a similar feat in 2019.

Lillard's remarkable performance included scoring 16 of the Bucks' first 20 points within the first nine minutes of the game. He concluded his outstanding first quarter with a buzzer-beating step-back 3-pointer and even converted a four-point play late in the first half.

Throughout the first half, Lillard showcased his scoring prowess by shooting 11 of 19 from the field, 6 of 10 from beyond the arc, and a perfect 7 of 7 from the free-throw line.

Overall, Lillard's exceptional performance not only propelled the Bucks to a commanding lead but also etched his name in the team's record books with his historic scoring display.