Even without star Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Milwaukee Bucks handled the Indiana Pacers relatively easily in Game 1 of their first-round playoff matchup on Sunday, winning 109-94.
While it might be too early for the Pacers to panic, they shouldn’t take the loss lightly, as without improvements, they could find themselves vacationing early.
Aside from the Pacers losing without Antetokounmpo in the lineup for the Bucks, several things stand out about Sunday’s loss.
Firstly, they seemingly weren’t ready to play and were punched in the mouth early and often by Milwaukee, trailing 69-42 at halftime. Secondly, along with an abysmal three-point percentage (8-of-39) and barely winning the points-in-the-paint battle (40-34), they tallied only 94 points, their lowest total of the season.
Meanwhile, Indiana may not have to worry about facing the two-time MVP this series, but another star should have their attention the rest of the way. Ahead of Game 1, Bucks point guard Damian Lillard seemed unconcerned about having to play without Antetokounmpo before immediately delivering one of the best playoff performances of his career.