In Game 1 of the Bucks-Pacers first-round series, Indiana’s offense proved to be too much for Milwaukee in a 117-98 victory. In Game 2, Indiana held off a furious Milwaukee comeback and won 123-115 to pull ahead 2-0 in the series.
It was a night full of big performances across the board. Let’s look at some of the player stats from Game 2 and look ahead to Game 3.
Big Time Performer: Milwaukee Bucks F Giannis Antetokounmpo
Another massive performance from Giannis, another loss. The former MVP recorded a preposterous 34/18/7 stat line on 70% shooting and carried Milwaukee’s offense yet again. He’s up to 70 points, 30 rebounds, and eight assists through the first two games. It’s an indictment of this Bucks team that Giannis at full power hasn’t been enough to be competitive. They’ll need it again to avoid a 3-0 hole on Friday, and no over/under is too high for the Greek Freak.
Big Time Performer: Indiana Pacers G Tyrese Haliburton
After Saturday’s 10-point performance, questions arose again about Haliburton’s playoff performance. Indiana got along fine without him making shots, but would need him to keep pushing through the postseason. The 8-for-19 shooting wasn’t ideal tonight, but his 21/5/12 stat line was inspiring. He pushed the tempo and controlled Indiana’s offense. He needed some help in clutch time, but it was encouraging for the All-Star. Look for Haliburton to pour in the assists on Friday as Indiana looks to push this series to the brink.
Stepping Up: Milwaukee Bucks F Bobby Portis
Talk about a massive turnaround. After recording only four points on 2-for-8 shooting in Game 1, Portis got lightning hot tonight. He recorded 28 points on 11-for-19 shooting, including a 6/11 mark from deep. They needed every point to get back in this one. I’d expect Portis to be hoisting from deep again in Game 3 as Milwaukee enters desperation mode.
Stepping Up: Indiana Pacers F Pascal Siakam
It’s official: Pascal Siakam owns the Milwaukee Bucks. After posting 25 points and seven boards in Game 1, Siakam poured in 24 points with 11 boards tonight to lead them in scoring yet again. His massive three-pointer to put Indiana up 118-113 with two minutes to play halted a Bucks stampede and helped seal the victory. Expect the forward to keep cooking on Friday and smash his points over/under yet again.
