The Milwaukee Bucks were unable to take a commanding 2-0 series lead over the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night. Instead, they head to Indiana with their first-round playoff series tied at one game apiece.
Pascal Siakam dominated the scoreboard, tallying 37 points, 11 rebounds, and six assists on an impressive 16-of-23 shooting performance. Myles Turner (22 points) and Andrew Nembhard (20 points) also showcased their offensive prowess, both surpassing the 20-point mark for the Pacers in Game 2.
Despite the Bucks’ efforts, spearheaded by point guard Damien Lillard’s 34 points, four rebounds, and five assists, and center Brook Lopez’s 22 points, three assists, and two blocks, they struggled to keep pace.
The absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo, sidelined due to a left calf injury, continued to loom large over the Bucks’ performance.
Shaquille O’Neal raised doubts about Milwaukee’s chances in this first-round series without Giannis, highlighting the pivotal role of his return from injury.
“We all know they (Pacers) play different at home than they do on the road. They’re going to play a much faster pace, and if that three-ball is falling and Siakam is playing like that… They don’t have a chance.”
Charles Barkley echoed O’Neal’s sentiments, underscoring the challenge the Milwaukee Bucks face in winning crucial away games without their superstar forward.
ESPN will air Game 3 of the first-round series between the Pacers and Bucks on Friday at 5:30 p.m. EST.
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