Damian Lillard first half blitz inspires Milwaukee Bucks in NBA playoffs, James Harden stars for LA Clippers

Damian Lillard became the Milwaukee Bucks’ highest-scoring player in a single half of an NBA postseason game as his team went 1-0 up against the Indiana Pacers in their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series match.

The eight-time All Star racked up 35 points in the first half of their 109-94 home victory, filling the void left by Giannis Antetokoumpo, who is still recovering from a calf injury.

Lillard’s return was the most by any player by half-time of a playoff game since Kevin Durant scored 38 for the Golden State Warriors in 2019.

The point guard failed to score after the half-time break but the Bucks held off stern resistance from Pascal Siakam, who scored 36 points overall with 13 rebounds.

“The last two years, not being in the playoffs, it sucked,” said Lillard, who joined from the Portland Trail Blazers in September.

“Early vacations. Last year, I went to Coachella. I ain't never been able to go to Coachella. It's playing in the playoffs every year. Just having that long summer, it was like, man, I was over that.”

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 28 for the Oklahoma City Thunder to see off the New Orleans Pelicans in a thrilling finish, going 1-0 up in their series with a 94-92 win.

Thunder were 90-88 down in the fourth quarter before Gilgeous-Alexander put his side ahead in the final minute, with CJ McCollum missing a 3-pointer in the closing seconds for the Pelicans.

Luka Doncic and Kyrie Irving both returned 30-plus points for the Dallas Mavericks, but they still fell to a 109-97 defeat at the Los Angeles Clippers.

James Harden scored 28 points for the hosts on his playoff debut for the Clippers, converting six out of his 11 3-pointer attempts.

The Clippers were again without Kawhi Leonard, who has been out since the end of March because of inflammation in his knee.

Doncic top scored with 33, with Irving close behind on 31, but the Clippers shared the points around, with five finishing in double figures.

Jayson Tatum achieved a first playoff triple double with 23 points, 10 rebounds and 10 assists to help the Boston Celtics to a 114-94 win over last season’s runners-up, the Miami Heat.

The top seeds looked in good form as they made a fast start, going 14-0 up and not letting the Heat back into the game.

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