Bucks Secure First Postseason Win with Sims’ Strong Performance

MILWAUKEE, Wis. — The Milwaukee Bucks captured their first win of the 2025 postseason on Friday night, defeating the Indiana Pacers 117-101. The victory came as former New York Knicks center Jericho Sims rose to the occasion during pivotal moments of the game.

Sims played just under 15 minutes in the face of adversity as the fifth-ranked Bucks trailed the No. 4 Pacers 2-1 in their best-of-seven series. His performance was crucial in stabilizing the Bucks’ rhythm in the series.

“He’s been fantastic. He’s our Swiss Army knife,” said head coach Doc Rivers after Game 3, highlighting Sims’ adaptability. Rivers added, “When we go to that switching scheme, he’s key to it. When he first came, he told me he could guard anybody, and he may be right. He’s been showing that.”

Sims delivered a solid relief effort, scoring eight points and grabbing four rebounds, half of which provided crucial second-chance opportunities for the Bucks. He was instrumental in the Bucks’ defense, particularly in stifling the Pacers’ attempts for a comeback during the first half.

Friday’s game marked the second-busiest night of Sims’ playoff career, following a notable performance in Game 4 of last year’s conference semifinals against the same Indiana team.

Sims started his career with the Knicks and was traded to the Bucks at last February’s trade deadline. The Bucks have shown confidence in him, especially since he was one of the few players in the previous games with a positive plus/minus rating. Milwaukee is now set for at least a Game 5, hoping to build on this momentum.