Antetokounmpo had 33 factors, 13 rebounds and 5 assists on an evening he went 14 of 21 from the sphere. Kyle Kuzma added 15 factors to assist the Bucks win for the third time in 4 video games, taking the primary of 4 scheduled regular-season matchups in opposition to a Central Division rival it has confronted 22 instances because the begin of the 2023-24 season.
This time, although, longtime Pacers middle Myles Turner was wearing a Bucks jersey after signing a free-agent deal in July. Followers serenaded him with boos all night time, beginning with a pregame video tribute that performed even earlier than participant introductions.
Turner had 9 factors, seven rebounds and 5 blocks whereas connecting on 3 of seven pictures and scoring solely two factors within the second half, a brief, tiebreaking basket with 2:22 left.
Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 32 factors and eight assists. Turner’s alternative, Isaiah Jackson, had 21 factors and 10 rebounds. It was Jackson’s highest scoring complete since a 26-point sport in January 2022.
Indiana eradicated Milwaukee within the first spherical of the playoffs every of the previous two years and this one had the identical form of really feel, with the rating shut all through.
And it seemed the Pacers may steal one other one after they charged again from an 11-point deficit with 6:08 to go, lastly tying it on Aaron Nesmith’s driving layup with 14.6 seconds left.
After calling a timeout, Milwaukee inbounded the ball to Antetokounmpo, who by no means gave it up earlier than hitting the winner.
Bucks: At Atlanta on Tuesday night time.
Pacers: Host Brooklyn on Wednesday night time.
