Pacers Take 2-0 Lead Over Bucks in Playoff Series

INDIANAPOLIS — (AP) — The Indiana Pacers secured a 123-115 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night, taking a 2-0 lead in their first-round playoff series.

Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Tyrese Haliburton contributed 21 points and 12 assists. The Pacers controlled the game from the start, jumping to a 31-16 lead in under eight minutes.

The Bucks made a strong effort with a late 13-0 run that cut Indiana’s lead to 115-113 with just over two minutes remaining. However, the Pacers finished strong, closing the game with an 8-2 run.

Giannis Antetokounmpo, the two-time league MVP, scored 34 points and grabbed 18 rebounds for Milwaukee. Bobby Portis Jr. added 28 points, hitting six 3-pointers, and also recorded 12 rebounds.

Despite their regular-season struggles against the Bucks, Indiana has now won five of the last six playoff matchups between the teams. They will face Milwaukee again for the 18th time in the last two seasons on Friday for Game 3.

This high-scoring game featured technical fouls and intense moments, highlighting the competitiveness of both teams.