The Indiana Pacers shook off any playoff jitters they may have had in Game 1 against the Milwaukee Bucks, putting together a performance in Game 2 that was more reminiscent of what we saw from them throughout the regular season. After losing 109-94 in Game 1 and trailing by as many as 30 points, the Pacers bounced back in a major way in Game 2, blowing out the Bucks 125-108 to even the series at one win apiece.
The Pacers were a popular upset pick coming into the series because of the unknown status surrounding Giannis Antetokounmpo, and they have successfully stolen homecourt advantage away from the Bucks, who were thought to be the clear favorites. The Pacers have to be confident heading into two games at home, especially with the level of success they’ve had facing off against the Bucks this season. In the regular season, Indiana went 4-1 against Milwaukee.
It has been a little while since Pacers fans have experienced playoff basketball, as the last time was in 2019, so they are sure to be excited for the opportunity to support their team in person. Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton is expecting a raucous crowd on Friday night, and he took a jab at the Bucks’ fans while praising backers of the Pacers during his press conference after Game 2.
“We’ve had regular season crowds better than what we’ve played in the last two games,” Haliburton said when comparing the fan bases.
The Central Division rivalry between the Pacers and Bucks is certainly getting spicy, and Pacers fans will love to hear their star speaking highly of them. They will be sure to come out in support for Games 3 and 4 to prove Haliburton right. However, the Pacers will have to head back to Milwaukee for at least one game, and you can be sure their crowd will be ready to give it to Haliburton and the Pacers for the comments he made.
