Pacers Diffuse 'Dame Time' in Wire-to-Wire Win

Damian Lillard and Tyrese Haliburton exchanged words during Game 1 of the Indiana Pacers' 117-98 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. Despite not having played since Mar. 18 due to a blood clot scare, Lillard competed in Game 2. However, the Pacers clocked out "Dame Time" with a  123-115 victory on Tuesday.

Unlike Game 1, the Bucks had more fight in the Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Lillard's presence gave Giannis Antetokounmpo enough scoring to keep it close in the game's final minutes. However, Lillard either forgot his watch on Tuesday or it was broken, as the star point guard didn't display his signature taunt in the fourth quarter. 

Haliburton finished with 21 points, 8 for 19 shooting from the field and a 3 for 10 mark from 3, and dished 12 assists. Although the Pacers' point guard didn't have the best shooting performance, he outdueled Lillard. 

Lillard scored 14 points on 4 for 13 shooting from the field and shot 2 for 8 from 3. While such shooting percentages don't warrant praise, Lillard's return from a blood clot health scare, and playing 37 minutes, does deserve credit. 

The Bucks didn't get blown as they did in Game 2, but the Pacers achieved a wire-to-wire victory, diffusing Antetokounmpo's 36-point, 18-rebound, seven-assist performance. 

It's too early to turn off Lillard's clock, as returning from a month's absence will take time to recover. However, with the Pacers only two wins away from advancing to the playoffs, the Bucks need more "Dame Time" before Haliburton eclipses the star point guard for the second consecutive postseason.