INDIANAPOLIS — Pascal Siakam maintained a straightforward strategy on Saturday, capitalizing on his shooting efficiency and effective gameplay.
The three-time All-Star posted 25 points along with seven rebounds, while Tyrese Haliburton contributed 10 points and 12 assists, driving the Indiana Pacers to a 117-98 triumph over the Milwaukee Bucks. This win gave the Pacers an early 1-0 advantage in their Eastern Conference first-round series.
“It’s about playing the game the right way — not overthinking, just executing,” Siakam stated, reflecting on his 10 of 15 shooting performance. “Playing smart and getting the shots we are supposed to are crucial.”
Seizing the excitement of Indiana’s first home series opener since 2014, Siakam took full advantage of the supportive crowd.
The atmosphere at Gainbridge Fieldhouse was electrifying, with team officials distributing gold T-shirts to fans. Supporters vocally counted down Giannis Antetokounmpo’s attempts at free throws and jeered Bucks forward Bobby Portis. The crowd erupted in cheers when video tributes featuring WNBA sensation Caitlin Clark were displayed.
They craved, however, a swift start from their team.
“The series is just at the beginning, and Game 2 will challenge us much more than this one,” Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle remarked, alluding to the upcoming Tuesday match. “Our entire team needs to stay ready and competitive. Maintaining the right equilibrium is crucial for us.”
And the Pacers exhibited that balance.
Myles Turner concluded his 19-point, four-block performance by sinking a timely three-pointer, quelling a Milwaukee rally that reduced the margin to 107-95. Six Indiana players achieved double-digit scores, while Milwaukee managed a solitary basket during the final 5:24.
This scenario mirrored the previous year’s opening series, where Indiana emerged victorious in a 4-2 bout.
Giannis Antetokounmpo spearheaded the Bucks with 36 points and 12 rebounds, after missing numerous matches last year due to a calf injury. The Bucks, absent of their All-Star Damian Lillard currently focusing on recovery from deep vein thrombosis, are hopeful for his return in Game 2.
The standout feature of Indiana’s win was their defensive prowess.
Effectively neutralizing Antetokounmpo’s influence through tactical traps and double teams over three quarters, the Pacers held him to a singular assist, while no other Bucks player exceeded 15 points. Milwaukee, known for their impressive 38.7% three-point shooting, managed only 2 of 16 in the initial half and ended with 9 of 37.
Antetokounmpo critiqued his team’s defensive efforts.
“We responded too late, leading us into a scramble as they set up for ensuing plays,” he remarked. “Our urgency was lacking. Hopefully, in Game 2, we can address that.”