Damian Lillard on missing the playoffs last 2 seasons: 'It sucked' / News - Basketnews.com

Damian Lillard immediately made an impact in his first playoff series after two years.

Credit: Getty Images via AFP-SCANPIX Credit Getty Images via AFP-SCANPIX

Even without superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks drew first blood in their first-round series with the Indiana Pacers.

Damian Lillard

Team:Milwaukee BucksPosition:PGAge:33Height:191 cmWeight:88 kgBirth place:Oakland, United States of AmericaProfileNewsStatistics

That's because their other star carried them on his back.

Damian Lillard was impressive in Game 1, leading the Bucks to a 109-94 win. He scored 35 points, all of which came in the first half and pretty much got Milwaukee off on the right foot.

"In the playoffs, it's about setting the tone," said Lillard. "We going to see this team a lot of times, and you want to establish yourself, especially on your home floor. That was my mentality, to come out and try and set the tone in that way."

Lillard made 11-of-19 from the field and knocked down six 3-pointers. His 35 points in the first half set a Bucks postseason record. It was also the highest individual first-half total in a playoff game since Kevin Durant scored 38 in 2019 as a member of the Golden State Warriors.

Damian LillardCredit Getty Images via AFP-Scanpix

Teammate Khris Middleton said Lillard's aggressiveness on offense was a huge boost for the Bucks.

"He came out, threw the first punch, and really got us off to a great start with a great lead that lasted the whole game," said Middleton.

After missing the postseason in his last two seasons, Lillard told reporters after the game that he was thrilled to be back on the playoff stage.

"The last two years not being in the playoffs, it sucked. Early vacations. Last year, I went to Coachella. I ain't never been able to go to Coachella," said Lillard.

"Just having that long summer, I was over that. Being able to be in a playoff series on a championship team, championship organization, knowing that we got an opportunity for it, that was the thing I was looking forward to most."

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