MILWAUKEE, WI - APRIL 21: Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the game against the Indiana Pacers during Round 1 Game 1 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on April 21, 2024 at the Fiserv Forum Center in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this Photograph, user is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images).Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images

Many wondered how the Milwaukee Bucks would fare in their first-round matchup against the Indiana Pacers without Giannis Antetokounmpo. Damian Lillard made sure that wasn't a problem in Game 1.

The star point guard led the Bucks to a 109-94 win over the Pacers behind a 35-point effort, handling business with Antetokounmpo sidelined because of a strained calf.

Lillard got off to a blazing start with 19 points in the first quarter alone. He finished the first half with 35 points, giving Milwaukee a comfortable 69-42 lead. Lillard's scoring stalled in the second half with the Pacers bringing double-teams, but with a sizeable lead, the Bucks didn't need much from him to pick up the win.

On the other side, star point guard Tyrese Haliburton had just nine points in the loss for the Pacers, while Pascal Siakam led them with 36.

Lillard's big opening half drew plenty of praise from NBA fans in awe of his performance.

Pat McAfee @PatMcAfeeShow

Can we please check the size of the hoop that Damian Lillard is currently shooting at <a href="">@NBA</a>?

Kevin Garnett @KevinGarnett5KG

Looking like tap the Rollie Dame is in the building… it's Dame time? Shyt let's see 💯 <a href="">#NBAPlayoffs</a>

Jalen Ramsey @jalenramsey

Yeah <a href="">@Dame_Lillard</a> is INSANE! The man is ELITE! Him &amp; Ant the two I'm most excited to watch all playoffs!

Isaiah Thomas @isaiahthomas

Lillard is going to work right now!!!!

Josh Hart @joshhart

Dame is on one

Kendrick Perkins @KendrickPerkins

Dame MF Dolla!!! He's just getting started ladies and gentlemen. Like I said he will be the best player in this series! Carry the hell on…

solomon hill @solohill

dame rn <a href="">

Marc J. Spears @MarcJSpears

Dame 29, Pacers 29. <a href="">

The Athletic @TheAthletic

Damian Lillard goes OFF in the first quarter with 19 points 🔥<br><br>This ties the highest-scoring opening quarter of his playoff career. <a href="">

Bleacher Report @BleacherReport

LILLARD DEEP 3 AT THE BUZZER 🔥<br><br>19-point 1st Q for Dame Dolla 😤 <a href="">

StatMuse @statmuse

At halftime:<br><br>Dame — Pacers —<br>35 PTS 40 PTS<br>11-19 FG 16-45 FG<br>6-10 3P 3-18 3P <a href="">

Milwaukee Bucks @Bucks

Dame has 29. Pacers have 29. <a href="">

Kendrick Perkins @KendrickPerkins

We are watching a Master At Work!!! Stop that Dame. God Bless America

NBA @NBA

Damian Lillard just recorded the most points in a half in Bucks playoff history ‼️<br><br>35 PTS <br>6 3PM<br>11-19 FGM<br><br>Watch the 2nd half of IND-MIL on TNT 🍿 <a href="">

Bleacher Report @BleacherReport

DAME TIME ⌚️ <a href="">

Now Milwaukee is in charge in the first-round series despite missing Antetokounmpo. The win has to give Bucks fans reassurance that they can manage until the two-time MVP is back on the floor.

If Milwaukee can get past Indiana without Antetokounmpo, it will be in great shape to make a Finals run when he can return.

The second game of the best-of-seven series between the Bucks and Pacers will take place Tuesday at 8:30 p.m. ET.