In a thrilling Game 2 of the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series, the Indiana Pacers overcame another fantastic first-half performance from Damian Lillard to defeat the Milwaukee Bucks 125-108, tying the series at one game apiece. The victory snapped a 10-game playoff losing streak for the Pacers, who had not won a postseason game since 2018.
Pascal Siakam led the way for the Pacers, scoring a game-high 37 points on 16-of-23 shooting. He also contributed 11 rebounds and six assists. Myles Turner added 22 points, Andrew Nembhard scored 20, and Tyrese Haliburton had 12 points and 12 assists.
Despite another strong performance from Lillard, who scored 34 points, the Bucks were unable to keep up with the Pacers’ balanced scoring attack. Milwaukee missed the presence of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who sat out due to a strained left calf.
The Bucks trailed by just five points at halftime, but the Pacers extended their lead to 11 early in the third quarter. The Bucks went on an 8-0 run to cut Indiana’s lead to one point, but Portis missed a 14-footer that would have put Milwaukee ahead with 3:28 left in the third. Indiana pushed its lead to nine points by the end of the period.
Milwaukee rallied early in the fourth quarter, but the Pacers quickly regained control of the game. Indiana ultimately pushed its lead to 23 points, securing the victory and tying the series.
The series now moves to Indianapolis for Game 3 on Friday, where the Pacers will look to take a 2-1 lead.
