In the close out Game 6 of the first round of the Eastern Conference Playoffs, Damian Lillard made his return to the court after dealing with a strained right Achilles tendon. While he didn’t quite match his stellar performances from earlier games, where he scored an impressive 69 points combined, he still put up a respectable 28 points on 7-of-16 shooting. Lillard expressed his determination to give it his all, saying he couldn’t have faced the offseason without at least trying to play.
Meanwhile, Bobby Portis Jr. and Brook Lopez led the charge for the Milwaukee Bucks, each contributing 20 points, while Khris Middleton added 14 points and eight rebounds.
On the opposing side, Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam put up strong numbers for the Indiana Pacers, with Haliburton recording 17 points, 10 assists, and six rebounds, and Siakam adding 19 points and seven rebounds.
Dame reflects on the season and shares his excitement for Year 2 in Milwaukee. pic.twitter.com/wxtwOcPYkM
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) May 3, 2024
“It’s been some hard times, but it’s never been an issue with Milwaukee”
Despite Milwaukee’s efforts to mount a comeback, Indiana maintained control throughout the game. The Pacers seized an early lead with a dominant 23-3 run in the first quarter and consistently responded to the Bucks’ attempts to close the gap.
Indiana’s ability to dictate the pace of the game proved crucial, with Haliburton emphasizing their aggressive approach as a key factor in their success.
The Pacers ultimately secured the win with a decisive surge in the final quarter, leaving the Bucks unable to mount a comeback. The victory marked a significant achievement for Indiana, particularly against the defending NBA champions.
The atmosphere at Gainbridge Fieldhouse was electric as the Pacers sealed the win, with fans showing their appreciation for the team’s efforts with a standing ovation. It was a memorable moment for Indiana as they celebrated their victory and looked ahead to future success.
What’s next for the Giannis-Lillard Bucks?
A lot was expected of the Bucks with the addition of Damian Lillard in the offseason. Despite posting impressive season stats of 24.3 PPG, Lillard looked burdened by the tribulations of advancing age as the season wore on. Giannis’ injury curtailed any major chance for the Bucks to run through a relatively weak Eastern Conference. The Bucks’ decision to change their Head Coach midway through the season failed to bear fruit and now an ageing roster will have to look forward to next season with renewed vigor and instruction under Doc Rivers.
