2024 Playoffs: East First Round | Bucks (3) vs. Pacers (6)

Damian Lillard returns for Game 6; Giannis Antetokounmpo still out

Damian Lillard returns from a 2-game absence and finishes with 28 points on 7-for-16 shooting as the Pacers close out the Bucks in Game 6.

Associated Press

Updated on May 3, 2024 2:16 AM

Damian Lillard returned to the Bucks’ starting lineup after missing the past 2 games with a right Achilles injury.

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Two-time Kia MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo sat out Thursday’s Game 6 of the first-round playoff series between the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers, but eight-time All-Star Damian Lillard returned to the court for the Bucks after missing the previous two games.

Playing through a right Achilles tendon injury, LIllard finished with 28 points on 7-for-16 shooting as the Pacers closed out the Bucks 120-98 to reach the Eastern Conference semifinals for the first time since 2014.

Antetokounmpo and Lillard had been considered game-time decisions, and both went through pregame workouts before Milwaukee determined their playing status.

Antetokounmpo has not played since straining his left calf on April 9.