The Indiana Pacers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks, 125-108, at Fiserv Forum on Tuesday night in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference quarterfinal-round series. The series is tied 1-1.
The Bucks (1-1) had impressively overcome the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) in Game 1, but the Pacers (1-1) appeared intent on not missing the opportunity to press their advantage for a second straight game. Indiana built a four-point lead through one and was able to tack on another point by halftime, and the visitors then ensured there'd be no immediate second-half resurgence for Milwaukee with a 32-28 third-quarter advantage. The hosts then quickly narrowed their deficit with a 5-0 run to open the final period, but the Pacers outscored them 33-20 the rest of the way for a comfortable victory.
Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 37 points, complementing them with 11 rebounds and six assists. Myles Turner furnished 22 points, seven rebounds, six assists and three blocks. Andrew Nembhard recorded 20 points, four boards and three assists. Tyrese Haliburton contributed a 12-point, 12-assist double-double that included four rebounds, one steal and one block. Aaron Nesmith registered 11 points, seven assists, five rebounds and one block.
Damian Lillard paced the Bucks with 34 points, supplementing them with five assists, four rebounds and one steal. Brook Lopez finished with 22 points, three assists, one rebound and two blocks. Khris Middleton posted 15 points, six assists and five rebounds. Bobby Portis turned in 14 points, 11 rebounds, two assists and one steal.
The two teams return to action for Game 3 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday afternoon.
