NBA Playoffs: Bucks defeat Pacers, Thunder beat Pelicans in Game 1 matchups

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The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Indianapolis Pacers 109-94 in Game 1 of the playoffs on Sunday night. Bucks guard Damian Lillard led with 19 points in the first quarter alone for a total of 35 points (all scored in the first half, breaking a franchise playoff record), while Brook Lopez (11 points), Khris Middleton (23 points) and Bobby Portis (15 points) each provided double-digit points.

Milwaukee scored the win despite the loss of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is sidelined with a lower leg strain. The Bucks expect to have Antetokounmpo available later in the series. The Bucks will host Game 2 on Tuesday night, before heading to Indianapolis for games on Friday and Sunday.

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The Oklahoma City Thunder won over the New Orleans Pelicans with a score of 94-92 in Game 1 of their first-round Western Conference playoff series Sunday night at Paycom Center.

Shai Gilgeous-Alexander scored 28 points for Oklahoma, including the go-ahead basket in the final minute – marking their first home playoff game victory since 2019.

Jalen Williams scored 19 points and Chet Holmgren added 15 points, 11 rebounds and five blocks for the Thunder, who will host Game 2 against the Pelicans on Wednesday night.

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