Pacers Aim for Series Win Against Bucks After Game 1 Victory

INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers are focused on winning their playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks after securing a victory in Game 1 of the Eastern Conference first round on Saturday. The Pacers took control of the game in the second quarter and maintained their lead throughout, finishing strong with a 109-94 score.

Forward Bennedict Mathurin, coming off the bench since Aaron Nesmith‘s return from injury, made his first playoff appearance, scoring 13 points and grabbing five rebounds. Mathurin, who did not play in last year’s playoffs due to shoulder surgery, expressed gratitude for this year’s opportunity. “I’m really, really grateful to be able to play this year,” he said. “Last year, I couldn’t.”

Mathurin’s teammate Tyrese Haliburton praised him, stating, “He did a great job of just jumping into the game and he was big for us off the bench.” The Pacers are looking for Mathurin to continue to provide a spark as they move forward in the series.

Head coach Rick Carlisle emphasized the importance of staying focused and preparing for Game 2 against the Bucks, who will be aiming for a stronger effort after their Game 1 defeat. “Winning the second game of a playoff series after you’ve won the first game is hard,” Carlisle said. “We have to expect hard, and we have to embrace hard.”

The Bucks’ star player Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 36 points in Game 1 but received little support from his teammates. Coach Doc Rivers noted the need to involve players like Kyle Kuzma more effectively in the offense. Kuzma struggled in his playoff debut, failing to score and recording zero rebounds in 22 minutes on the court.

“We gotta involve him,” Rivers said about Kuzma. “We gotta make sure we keep him involved.” Kuzma acknowledged the need to be more aggressive in Game 2, stating, “I kind of just gotta go get it, just find myself and get into actions on my own.”

The Pacers are prepared for the Bucks’ expected adjustments as they aim to advance to the next round. The second game of the series is scheduled for 7 p.m. Tuesday at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.