Former NBA champion Pascal Siakam played a crucial role in leading the Indiana Pacers to a 125-108 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series on Tuesday. Siakam scored a game-high 37 points, shooting 16 of 23 from the field and finishing with 11 rebounds and six assists. The Pacers overcame another strong first-half performance from Bucks guard Damian Lillard, who had 26 points by halftime but finished with 34 overall. The Bucks missed the presence of two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who has been out with a strained left calf since April 9. Myles Turner added 22 points for the Pacers, while Andrew Nembhard contributed 20 and Tyrese Haliburton had 12 points and 12 assists. The Pacers led the NBA with 123.3 points per game during the regular season but got off to a slow start in Game 1, posting their lowest point total and field-goal percentage. However, they looked more like the team that won four of five regular-season matchups with the Bucks in Game 2, scoring at least 122 points in each of those contests. The Pacers will look to take a 2-1 lead in the series when they host the Bucks in Game 3 on Friday in Indianapolis.
Pacers Defeat Bucks in Game 2, Tying Playoff Series at 1-1
