MILWAUKEE — Indiana’s first playoff appearance since the bubble started off on the wrong foot. The Pacers lost to the Milwaukee Bucks, 109-94, on Sunday night.
With Giannis Antetokounmpo out, Bucks guard Damian Lillard stole the show. He had 19 points in the first quarter alone, and all 35 of his points came in the first half.
The Pacers started the game 0-for-13 from 3-point range before Myles Turner finally saw one fall from the corner. Indiana trailed, 69-42, at halftime.
Milwaukee’s lead was cut to as little as 12 in the second half, but the Pacers fell into too deep of a hole after a slow start.
Forward Pascal Siakam led the way for Indiana with 36 points. The former Raptor set a new playoff career-high in his first postseason appearance as a Pacer.
The Bucks will host Game 2 on Tuesday night before the series comes to Indianapolis on Friday and Sunday.