Pacers Dominate Bucks to Take 2-0 Series Lead in NBA Playoffs

Pacers Take Commanding 2-0 Lead Over Bucks in NBA Playoffs

The Indiana Pacers delivered another strong performance to defeat the Milwaukee Bucks 123-115 in Game 2 of their first-round NBA playoff series. With this victory, the Pacers now hold a commanding 2-0 lead as the series shifts to Milwaukee for Game 3 on Friday.

Key Performances Propel Pacers

Pascal Siakam was instrumental in Indiana’s win, recording 24 points, 11 rebounds, and a critical three-pointer late in the game to halt a Bucks comeback. Siakam’s consistency and leadership were praised by his teammate Tyrese Haliburton, who added 21 points and 12 assists in the victory. “He’s been a steady presence for us all year,” Haliburton said. “I think he could be the most underrated player in the NBA.”

Andrew Nembhard also contributed significantly with 17 points, while Aaron Nesmith added 16 points on efficient shooting. Myles Turner and Bennedict Mathurin chipped in with 15 and 14 points, respectively, showcasing the Pacers’ balanced offensive attack.

Bucks Struggle Despite Giannis’ Heroics

For the Milwaukee Bucks, Giannis Antetokounmpo put up an impressive stat line with 34 points, 18 rebounds, and 7 assists. However, his efforts were not enough to overcome Indiana’s dominance. “We need to be more urgent,” Antetokounmpo said after the game. “Both games, both halves, they were really able to set the tone. We need to play with more urgency at the start of the game and the start of the half.”

Bobby Portis provided a spark off the bench with 28 points and 12 rebounds, including six three-pointers. Damian Lillard, returning to action after a month-long absence due to deep vein thrombosis in his right calf, struggled to find his rhythm. Lillard scored 14 points on 4-of-13 shooting and added 7 assists in 37 minutes of play.

Game Highlights

The Pacers took control early, building a 31-16 lead just seven minutes into the game. Although the Bucks mounted a late 13-0 run to cut the deficit to 115-103 with 2:31 remaining, Siakam’s clutch three-pointer sparked an 8-2 run that sealed the victory for Indiana.

The game was marked by intense moments, including a scuffle near the Pacers’ bench that resulted in double technical fouls. Players from both teams hit the floor multiple times, and Giannis faced a steady stream of 10-second counts on his free throws. The Gainbridge Fieldhouse crowd, which included notable figures like WNBA star Caitlin Clark and former Pacers star Lance Stephenson, witnessed one of the most entertaining playoff games so far.

Pacers’ Balanced Attack

Indiana’s offensive depth was on full display, with six players scoring in double figures. The team shot nearly 49% from the field and made 17 free throws without a miss. Tyrese Haliburton orchestrated the offense masterfully, while Siakam’s versatility on both ends of the court proved invaluable.

“We’re playing with a lot of confidence right now,” said Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle. “Our guys are locked in, and they’re executing the game plan effectively.”

Bucks Face Uphill Battle

The Bucks, who won three of four regular-season matchups against the Pacers, now find themselves in a precarious position. Milwaukee has lost five of their last six playoff games against Indiana, and they’ll need to make significant adjustments to avoid falling into a 3-0 hole.

“It’s kind of hard to play from behind,” Antetokounmpo admitted. “We need to start games better and set the tone early.”

Milwaukee’s supporting cast, including Brook Lopez and Kyle Kuzma, will need to step up in Game 3. Lopez contributed 8 points and 4 blocks, while Kuzma added 12 points but struggled to make a significant impact.

Game 3 will be a pivotal moment in the series as the Bucks return to their home court at the Fiserv Forum. Milwaukee will aim to capitalize on home-court advantage and find answers to Indiana’s balanced attack. Meanwhile, the Pacers will look to maintain their momentum and take a commanding 3-0 series lead. The game is scheduled for Friday at 8 p.m. ET and will be broadcast on NBA TV. Fans can expect another high-intensity matchup as both teams battle for playoff supremacy.