INDIANAPOLIS — Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton formed a dynamic duo for the Indiana Pacers once again on Tuesday, placing the team two victories shy of advancing past the Milwaukee Bucks in the first playoff round.
Siakam showcased his prowess with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and a pivotal three-point shot to initiate Indiana’s critical late-game push. Meanwhile, Haliburton contributed significantly with 21 points and 12 assists, steering the Pacers to a 123-115 victory and securing a 2-0 lead in the series.
“He’s been our rock all season, so pleased to have him with us,” Haliburton commented about Siakam. “I truly believe he might be the NBA’s most underrated player. What he brings to the floor night after night is incredible—so consistent, so reliable.”
The Bucks are experiencing the unfavorable side of this dominance, as Indiana has won five out of their previous six playoff encounters. In the ongoing series, the Pacers have maintained control throughout, never relinquishing the lead after the early minutes of the first quarter in Game 1.
The two teams are set to face off for the 18th time in two seasons this coming Friday, as Game 3 will unfold in Milwaukee.
“It’s tough playing catch-up,” remarked two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who tallied 34 points with 18 rebounds and seven assists. “Urgency is key—both halves of both games have shown their ability to dictate the pace. Starting off strong is essential for us moving forward.”
Returning from deep vein thrombosis in his right calf, Bucks guard Damian Lillard scored 14 points during his 37-minute appearance, the first since March 18. This playoff game marked his first alongside Antetokounmpo, who missed all of last season’s playoffs with a calf injury.
Bobby Portis Jr. made a significant impact for Milwaukee, adding 28 points with six three-pointers and 12 rebounds.
The game was packed with excitement.
There was a brief altercation near the Pacers’ bench resulting in double technical fouls in the first half, heated exchanges in the closing moments leading to more technicals, players frequently hitting the court, ongoing 10-second counts on Antetokounmpo’s free throws, and some strategic defensive plays mixed with full-court pressure. Additionally, the stands included WNBA star Caitlin Clark and her Indiana Fever teammates, Super Bowl champion Reggie Wayne, the 2022 Indianapolis 500 victor Marcus Ericsson, and former Pacers standout Lance Stephenson enjoying the intense playoff action.
On the court, the Pacers asserted dominance by creating a 31-16 edge just 7.5 minutes into the match, only to see the Bucks rally back with a 13-0 burst late in the game, narrowing the gap to 115-103 with 2:31 remaining.
It was Siakam’s three-pointer that launched the final 8-2 run, effectively securing the Pacers’ triumph.