The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Indiana Pacers, 109-94, at Fiserv Forum on Saturday evening in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series.

The Bucks had to find a way to win the series opener against the Pacers without Giannis Antetokounmpo. Fortunately for them, Damian Lillard stepped his game up and carried the team to a massive win. The Bucks set the tone early, racing to a 30-21 lead in the first quarter and never looking back. The star floor general kept paving the way for the hosts, and Milwaukee made it a double-digit lead after a 39-21 second quarter, giving the Bucks a robust 27-point advantage. The Pacers woke up in the third quarter and limited Milwaukee to a mere 14-point output. The 29-14 score in the third quarter reduced the deficit to 12 points, but the Bucks wouldn’t let their lead slip away. A 26-23 score in the final 12 minutes was enough to close things out. The second game of the series will be played Tuesday.

Damian Lillard led the way for the Bucks with 35 points, six rebounds and three assists. Khris Middleton had a double-double of 23 points, 10 rebounds and four assists. Bobby Portis also had a double-double after posting 15 points and 11 boards. Brook Lopez notched 11 points, four rebounds, three assists and three blocks. Patrick Beverley had five points, seven rebounds and eight assists. The Bucks shot 46.6 percent from the field and 37.8 percent from three-point range.

Pascal Siakam led the way for the Pacers with a game-high 36 points and 14 rebounds. Myles Turner was the only other starter who scored in double digits after posting 17 points, two rebounds, two assists and two steals. Tyrese Haliburton had nine points, eight assists and seven rebounds. T.J. McConnell added 10 points coming off the bench. The Pacers shot 39.6 percent from the field and 20.5 percent from deep.