A Surprising Turn of Events
In Game 2 of the NBA Eastern Conference playoffs’ first round, the Bucks, missing their star Giannis Antetokounmpo, suffered a 108-125 defeat against the Pacers. This marked the first home loss for the Bucks this year.
Bucks’ Struggle Without Giannis
The Bucks, seeded third, relied heavily on Damian Lillard in their first game, securing a victory. Lillard continued to be a primary scoring source, racking up 26 points in the first half. However, the Pacers, led by Pascal Siakam’s 21 points and 7 rebounds, managed to take a 60-55 lead by halftime.
Pacers’ Dominance in the Fourth Quarter
Trailing by 9 points entering the fourth quarter, the Bucks struggled to mount a comeback and fell victim to a decisive 20-4 run by the Pacers in the crucial final quarter. This scoring drought sealed the victory for the Pacers, leveling the series.
Siakam Leads the Charge
Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with an impressive performance, scoring 37 points and grabbing 11 rebounds. Andrew Nembhard contributed 20 points, Myles Turner added 22 points, 7 rebounds, and 6 assists, while Aaron Nesmith scored 11 points and Tyrese Haliburton chipped in 12 points along with 12 assists.
Lillard’s Lone Effort
Damian Lillard, carrying much of the offensive burden for the Giannis-less Bucks, scored 34 points and dished out 5 assists. Brook Lopez added 22 points, while Khris Middleton contributed 15 points and 5 rebounds. Bobby Portis tallied 14 points and 11 rebounds in the losing effort.
Series Outlook
With the series now tied, both teams head into the next game with renewed determination. The Bucks will need to regroup and adjust their strategy in the absence of Giannis, while the Pacers will look to capitalize on their momentum from the Game 2 victory. As the series unfolds, basketball fans can expect more thrilling matchups and unpredictable outcomes. (7XM)