Milwaukee Bucks: They took a 1-0 lead in the series against the Pacers – Giannis Antetokounmpo did not play because of a calf problem
With Damian Lillard doing incredible things and scoring 35 points in the first half, Bucks beat Pacers 109-94 in first-round matchup to go 1-0 in series. As expected, Giannis Antetokounmpo remained on the bench due to the calf problem.
It is characteristic that Lillard did not score in the second half of the game, where Bobby Portis (15 points, 11 rebounds) and Khris Middleton (23 points, 10 rebounds) took action.
Since the play-by-play era began in 1995, no player has ever scored as many points in the first half without scoring in the second half in both regular season and playoff games. The previous record was held by Phoenix’s Devin Booker, who had 31 first-half points but none in the second half in a 2022 first-round playoff game against the New Orleans Pelicans.
Also, only Kevin Durant had more points in a halftime playoff game when he scored 38 points for the Golden State Warriors against the Los Angeles Clippers in the first round of the 2019 playoffs.
As far as the Pacers are concerned, Pascal Siakam had a great game with 36 points and 13 rebounds, while Myles Turner had 17 points but with 5/17 shooting. Tyris Halliburton moved in the “low” with 9 points, 7 rebounds and 8 assists.
The remaining matches
In Los Angeles, the Clippers took the first step against the Mavericks, whom they easily won 109-97. The first scorer of the winners, who competed without Kawhi Leonard, was James Harden with 28 points (8 assists), while Paul George added 22 points and Ivica Zubac added 20 points with 15 rebounds.
For the underdog Mavericks, Luka Doncic had 33 points (13 rebounds, 6 assists) and Kyrie Irving had 31 points.
Finally, an exciting match was held in Oklahoma City where the Thunder beat the Pelicans 94-92. The leading scorer for the winners was Shay Gilgeous-Alexander with 28 points, Jaylen Williams had 19 points and Chet Holmgren finished the match with 15 points, 11 rebounds and 5 blocks.
For the Pelicans, who were without Zion Williamson, Trey Murphy had 21 points, CJ McCollum had 20 points and Jonas Valanciunas had 13 points and 20 rebounds.
