The Indiana Pacers turned Game 2 into a Hoosier highlight reel, defeating the Milwaukee Bucks 123–115 and taking a commanding 2–0 lead in their first-round playoff series. The Bucks, despite Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Herculean effort of 34 points, 18 rebounds, and 7 assists, found themselves outpaced and outplayed by a Pacers squad that seemed to have swapped their sneakers for rocket boosters .
Indiana came out blazing, shooting a scorching 59.1% in the first quarter and establishing a 40–30 lead. The Bucks, perhaps still digesting their pregame bratwursts, struggled to keep up. By halftime, Milwaukee had narrowed the gap to 68–60, but the Pacers responded with a 14–2 run to start the second half, effectively saying, “Not today, Milwaukee.”
Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers’ charge, each recording double-doubles and making the Bucks’ defense look like they were auditioning for a new rendition of “Dancing with the Stars: Defensive Edition” . Andrew Nembhard added to the spectacle with timely three-pointers that left the Bucks’ bench in stunned silence.
Milwaukee’s Kevin Porter Jr. had a night to forget, contributing to the team’s woes with questionable shot choices, turnovers, and a flagrant foul that had fans questioning if he was secretly working for the Pacers. The decision to keep Ryan Rollins benched, despite his potential to inject some much-needed energy, left many scratching their heads .
As the series shifts to Milwaukee for Game 3, the Bucks face mounting pressure. Speculation about Giannis’ future with the team is intensifying, with fans fearing that another early playoff exit could prompt the Greek Freak to seek greener pastures . The Bucks will need more than just a home-court advantage; they’ll need a game plan that doesn’t involve watching the Pacers score at will.