MILWAUKEE (AP) — Damian Lillard’s sensational start ensured the Milwaukee Bucks would fare just fine without Giannis Antetokounmpo in their playoff opener. Lillard scored all 35 of his points before halftime and the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Indiana Pacers 109-94 on Sunday while Antetokounmpo watched from the bench. “I don’t think that it’s all on me but I know that I’ve got to be a little bit more aggressive and I’ve got to step forward a little bit more assertively,” Lillard said. “In the playoffs ... it’s about setting a tone. We’re going to see this team a lot of times, and you want to establish yourself, especially on your home floor. That was just my mentality, to come out and try to set the tone.” The Bucks needed Lillard to step up without Antetokounmpo, whose return date is uncertain as he deals with a strained left calf that also caused him to miss Milwaukee’s final three regular-season games. Game 2 of the playoff series is Tuesday in Milwaukee. |
Travel route honors CPC's historic journeyMongolia suspends transfer of citizens due to parliamentary electionsShanghai Disney Resort to open world's first ZootopiaUS tariff hikes on Chinese products bound to backfireCambodian PM celebrates Int'l Labor Day with seaport workersUN official dismisses allegation of 'overcapacity' in China's green industries as misplaced32,000 runners drawn for 2024 Guiyang MarathonAre these schools 'The New Ivies'? Ten elite universities that won't break the bankChina gears up for International Museum Day celebrationsOlympic flame arrives in Marseille amid tight security