The Milwaukee Bucks faced off against the Indiana Pacers on Friday night for the first time since Indiana eliminated them in the first round of the playoffs last season. Seeking a measure of revenge, the Bucks secured a 129-117 victory at Fiserv Forum.
Bucks head coach Doc Rivers praised his team’s defensive effort, noting their ability to disrupt the Pacers’ offense. Rivers highlighted Andre Jackson Jr.’s significant contributions on defense, particularly in containing Tyrese Haliburton, despite Jackson not scoring any points. “The first half was unbelievable to watch,” Rivers said, referencing the defense that allowed just 44 points.
The Bucks are now 7-9 for the season and have won five of their last six games. In contrast, the Pacers have struggled recently, with only one win in their last six games, dropping to 6-10. This match also counted as a pool play game for the Emirates Cup, where the Bucks improved to 2-0 while the Pacers fell to 0-2.
Milwaukee started strong, racing to a 10-0 lead and maintaining their advantage throughout most of the game, even leading by as many as 24 points in the third quarter. Though the Pacers made a late push, cutting the lead to 108-102, the Bucks finished the game strong, outscoring Indiana 21-15 in the final minutes.
Star players Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard led the charge for the Bucks, with Antetokounmpo recording a triple-double with 37 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds, while Lillard notched a double-double with 24 points and 12 assists. Other key contributions came from Gary Trent Jr. with 18 points and Bobby Portis Jr. with 17 off the bench.
The game was notable for a lack of animosity, in contrast to previous encounters that featured physical confrontations. Indiana was missing some key players due to injuries, affecting their performance.
Tyrese Haliburton, despite his earlier success, has struggled in recent games, shooting only 30.3% in his last five outings. He managed 18 points in this game but faced tough defense from multiple Bucks players, including Jackson, who kept the pressure on him throughout the game.
Looking ahead, the Bucks are set to face the Charlotte Hornets in their next matchup, and their recent performances suggest a growing confidence in their ability to contend for a strong season.
This game symbolizes hope for the Bucks as they start to find their rhythm and improve following a challenging start. Their focus on teamwork and defense could be pivotal as they continue their season and aim for postseason success.
In summary, the Bucks demonstrated resilience and adaptability, capitalizing on their strengths and learning from past experiences, setting a positive tone as they move forward in the ongoing season.