This is why Damian Lillard and the Milwaukee Bucks teamed up.
With Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined, Lillard took on the role of unquestioned No. 1 option for the Bucks against the Indiana Pacers on Sunday. He dominated — for a half, at least.
Lillard torched the Pacers for 35 first-half points his first playoff game with the Bucks. The result was a 109-94 Game 1 Bucks win to calm concerns about playing without Antetokounmpo in their first-round series against the Pacers.
In five regular-season games with Antetokounmpo in the lineup, the No.