MILWAUKEE (AP) — Damian Lillard’s sensational start ensured the Milwaukee Bucks would fare just fine without Giannis Antetokounmpo in their playoff opener. Lillard scored all 35 of his points before halftime and the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Indiana Pacers 109-94 on Sunday while Antetokounmpo watched from the bench. “I don’t think that it’s all on me but I know that I’ve got to be a little bit more aggressive and I’ve got to step forward a little bit more assertively,” Lillard said. “In the playoffs ... it’s about setting a tone. We’re going to see this team a lot of times, and you want to establish yourself, especially on your home floor. That was just my mentality, to come out and try to set the tone.” The Bucks needed Lillard to step up without Antetokounmpo, whose return date is uncertain as he deals with a strained left calf that also caused him to miss Milwaukee’s final three regular-season games. Game 2 of the playoff series is Tuesday in Milwaukee. |
Shanghai sculpture show sees Rodin, Sanxingdui in dialogueTokyo International Film Festival kicks off as China's Zhang Yimou wins lifetime awardWorld Heritage in China: Archaeological Ruins of Liangzhu CityBeijing's Hong'en Temple opens to publicDunhuang elements shine at fashion weekRockets beat playoffAncient pottery, kilns and wells unearthed in north China ruinsThe Kings beat the Blazers 121Native AmericanUS judge tosses out lawsuits against Libyan commander accused of war crimes