Pacers Take 2-0 Lead Over Bucks in First-Round Playoff Series

INDIANAPOLIS, IN — The Indiana Pacers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 123-115 on Tuesday, taking a 2-0 lead in their first-round playoff series. The Pacers maintained their lead for all 48 minutes, showcasing a fast-paced offense against the struggling Bucks.

Milwaukee forward Kyle Kuzma struggled early, missing a shot on the opening possession. Despite his quick recovery, the Bucks fell behind immediately, exemplifying issues that have plagued them throughout the series.

“We don’t want to put ourselves in a hole early in the game,” said Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo. “It’s hard to play from behind. We just gotta be smarter.”

The Bucks have found themselves trailing at the start of all four halves in the first two games, with Pacers coach Doc Rivers calling the first timeout in each instance as Milwaukee fell behind early.

On Tuesday, the Bucks switched out Ryan Rollins for nine-time All-Star Damian Lillard, who returned after missing over a month due to a blood clot in his right calf. Despite the addition, the starters struggled and were outscored early.

Rivers noted the need to make adjustments for Game 3, expressing confidence in the team despite their current predicament. “We’ve gotten off to two poor starts, and we’ve got to make an adjustment there, for sure,” he said.

The Bucks’ defense has been a significant concern, sporting a 121.8 defensive rating after two games. Both Antetokounmpo and teammate Bobby Portis emphasized the need for better communication on defense to avoid breakdowns that lead to easy scores.

Antetokounmpo dominated the game with 34 points, 18 rebounds, and seven assists, but defensive lapses allowed Indiana to maintain their lead. The Bucks cut the deficit to two in the final minutes but could not secure a comeback.

“We didn’t contain the ball much at all tonight,” Rivers said. “They believe they have guys that can beat our guys off the dribble, so we have to do a better job.”

The next game is scheduled for Friday in Milwaukee, where the Bucks must regroup to avoid falling into a deeper hole against the Pacers.