Watch: Damian Lillard sends COLD message to fans after taking over Bucks team in Giannis’ absence

For the Indiana Pacers, Pascal Siakam scored a game-high 36 points, 13 rebounds, and two assists, but despite his best efforts, it wasn’t enough to stop the inevitable as they lost their shooting range, shooting 8/39 from beyond the arc. Thus ultimately ending their two-game winning streak over the Bucks. 

Furthermore, for the Bucks, Khris Middleton also stepped up with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and four assists. He complimented Lillard as he showed the strength in depth for the Bucks despite the injury to Giannis and relieved the pressure on Doc Rivers. 

Doc Rivers showers praise on Damian Lillard after brilliant first-half performance 

Damian Lillard was on fire during the first game against the Indiana Pacers as he scored a record-breaking 35 first-half points. His performance has led coach Doc Rivers to sing his praises. 

He carried us. He was unbelievable. I thought he just played it under control. Very aggressive…The way we wanted him. Coach Doc Rivers at the post-game presser

Lillard completed 11/24 from the field while scoring all his six beyond-the-arc shots. Surprisingly, he didn’t add to his tally in the second half, as his first-half performance was the momentum needed to clinch the win. 

The Bucks would hope to take up from where they stopped when they host the Pacers again in game 2 of the series. And with Giannis Antetokounmpo’s return uncertain, Damian Lillard might be called upon again to deliver big.