The Miwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers confronted one another for the primary time after the Pacers received a six-game first-round playoff sequence final season (and went 4-1 towards them within the common season) and the Bucks have been in a position to actual a small measure of revenge with a 129-117 victory Friday evening at Fiserv Discussion board.

“Simply one other step ahead,” Bucks head coach Doc Rivers mentioned. “They’re a superb offensive group. I believed our protection was phenomenal tonight. We turned the ball over. Acquired somewhat ‘Showtime on the Apollo’ for about 5 minutes, after which we caught ourselves. Liked our defensive effort. It’s wonderful – (Andre Jackson Jr.) had zero factors and he had most likely one of many greatest impacts within the sport, simply defending (Tyrese) Haliburton a lot of the sport, making little performs. I simply thought defensively, all of us, they have been locked in. That’s essentially the most locked in that I’ve seen us defensively in a half, that first half (44 factors allowed) was unbelievable to look at.”

Field rating:Bucks 129, Pacers 117

Extra:Milwaukee Bucks schedule 2024-2025 season

The Bucks improved to 7-9 and received for the fifth time in six video games. The Pacers are trending in the wrong way with 5 losses of their final six to drop to 6-10. It was additionally an Emirates Cup pool play sport, and the Bucks improved to 2-0 in East Group B whereas the Pacers dropped to 0-2.

Milwaukee was largely in management from the start, taking a 10-0 lead and ultimately main by as many as 24 factors with simply over 4 minutes remaining within the third quarter. Innstead of placing the Pacers away, the Bucks let Indiana minimize the deficit to 108-102 with 5 minutes, 52 seconds left within the sport. However, like their earlier sport towards Chicago, the Bucks turned it on late to outscore the Pacers 21-15 down the stretch.

Giannis Antetokounmpo had a triple-double and Damian Lillard had a double-double to steer Milwaukee, however Gary Trent Jr. had 18 factors and Bobby Portis Jr. had 17 off the bench to spark the Bucks. Taurean Prince (13) and Brook Lopez (11) additionally reached double figures.

“Oh, man, when you’ve got your scorers passing, it’s arduous to cease you,’ Rivers mentioned of his star’s 23 mixed assists. “I believed Dame did an important job, and Giannis, getting within the paint – and that’s all we maintain preaching, get to the paint and determine. Get to the paint and determine. They usually’re each doing an important job of that for us. With our capturing, they will make a residing off of that and so they’re doing it.”

Lillard echoed that message he’s heard from the teaching workers.

“With the capturing we now have and the expertise that we now have on our group I believe it’s simply vital for me to get into the paint and assault however when groups are giving us the kind of consideration they’re giving us, myself and Giannis, we gotta give our teammates each alternative to complete performs,” Lillard mentioned.

“We now have to make that go. Our teammates, I all the time say it however you see them within the gymnasium capturing these photographs time and again and over and I believe the extra that we make the most of these alternatives and so they proceed to make these photographs I believe it simply lifts our group up and it makes us extra of a whole group. I believe now we’re beginning to dwell by it.”

Antetokounmpo has spoken of selflessness the final two video games as properly – and to him there was no larger instance than when Trent handed up an open layup to as an alternative go the ball off the backboard to him for a dunk. Trent mentioned Antetokounmpo deserved it due to a block he made on different finish to begin the quick break.

“See – that is unbelievable. That is nice spirit,” Antetokounmpo mentioned. “That is the spirit you wish to have inside your group. Now, do not get me unsuitable if it was me perhaps I dunk that. I am joking. You gotta be selfless. There’s gonna be occasions {that a} man masses and (Trent) goes to be vast open and I gotta ship the ball. As a pacesetter now I gotta ship the ball – it goes each methods. It does not go just one method. He has my again, I’ve his again.

“(Jackson) performs unbelievable protection on Tyrese Haliburton at the moment, scored zero factors, we gotta have his again. Subsequent time he is vast open or he cuts, gotta give him the ball, we gotta feed him, we gotta make him really feel good, as a result of he is sacrificed a lot, he sacrificed his physique for us. He’ll do it (Saturday) once more. Every time we now have a possibility to make them really feel good, we gotta do it.”

Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 25 factors and Ben Mathurin had 20.

Giannis Antetokounmpo has one other triple-double vs Pacers

Since Rick Carlisle took over the Pacers in 2020-21, his group has by no means discovered some sort of a defensive reply for Antetokounmpo and the identical held true once more on Friday evening. The league’s main scorer was “held” to fifteen first-half factors on 5 of 10 capturing, however by the point the sport ended Antetokounmpo completed with a triple-double: 37 factors, 11 assists and 10 rebounds.

Which was comparatively mild work of late for the MVP candidate who had averaged practically 35 factors per sport on 62% capturing his final seven contests.

Indiana tried to gradual him down by displaying a double- or triple-team shortly to try to drive the ball out of his arms. It wasn’t something new, per se, however it was efficient sufficient to at the least maintain him from the sort of monstrous efficiency that has develop into his signature towards the Pacers the final 4 seasons.

4 of Antetokounmpo’s 47 triple-doubles and three of his 9 50-point video games – together with a franchise-record 64-point effort final season – have come towards Indiana.

In his 13 video games towards Carlisle’s Pacers coming into Friday evening, Antetokounmpo was capturing 65.9% from the sphere and averaging 37.1 factors, 13.0 rebounds and 6.3 assists per sport. 

Tyrese Haliburton’s struggles proceed

The Oshkosh native Haliburton has not off to a sizzling begin, and the Pacers’ final 5 video games have been notably tough. He’s capturing simply 30.3% from the sphere and 30.8% from behind the three-point line in averaging 12.6 factors per sport. Haliburton is playmaking at a comparatively excessive degree – 8.8 assists per sport – however it’s fairly the come down from his league-leading 10.9 final season.

He had no higher luck towards Jackson, AJ Inexperienced, Delon Wright, Trent and a switching Bucks protection that held him to 18 factors on 6-of-14 capturing. Haliburton didn’t hit his first three-pointer till lower than 5 minutes remained within the third quarter and his group was down 24 factors.

“I’m imply ‘Dre was dealing with him, selecting him up full court docket, denying him generally,” Lillard mentioned of Jackson. “As soon as the ball obtained throughout half court docket he was in his face and a participant like that you just wish to take away any consolation and any area. Any all-star degree participant, you give ‘em area they’re gonna choose you aside, they’re gonna dominate the sport. I believe should you take a look at ‘Dre’s stat line, he didn’t even rating a degree however he was plus-18 (the Bucks’ constructive level differential with him on the court docket), two steals, a block. The numbers don’t inform the story of the sort of sport that he had for us.”

Haliburton was not the aggressive shot-creator that gave the Bucks all types of issues final 12 months, even when Lopez and Portis switched onto him on the perimeter. He didn’t assault Portis off the dribble, and at one level Pacers guard Mathurin didn’t even look to get Haliburton the ball again when Lopez was out on him 28 toes from the basket.

Haliburton did have 9 assists, although.

On the 12 months he’s averaging 15.3 factors on 28.4% three-point capturing to go together with 8.5 assists per sport.

Nevertheless it’s a continuation of an extended stretch of uneven play following the Pacers’ elimination of the Bucks within the NBA Cup on Dec. 7 in Las Vegas. Within the 51 video games Haliburton performed after that he averaged 17.7 factors on 33.2% three-point capturing, to go together with 10.5 assists – a time frame during which he significantly injured a hamstring. Haliburton aggravated the hamstring harm within the Jap Convention finals towards Boston in March after which suffered an undisclosed harm whereas competing for Crew USA over the summer season.

In his first 18 video games of final season Haliburton set the league on hearth by capturing 44% from three, 53% total and averaged 26.9 factors and 12.1 assists per sport.

Bucks enhance to 2-0 in Emirates Cup play

The Bucks and Pacers confronted one another for the primary time after the Pacers received a six-game first-round playoff sequence final season. Greater than that, Indiana went 4-1 towards Milwaukee within the common season – together with the inaugural NBA Cup semifinals in Las Vegas.

Ten gamers for the present Bucks have been a part of these video games final season and there positively have been some sturdy recollections being carried over.

“Yeah, very conscious,” Prince, who was not with the group final season, mentioned on the Bucks’ shootaround. “My consciousness is excessive, whether or not on the group or not. So, I perceive the wish to win. However on the finish of the day it’s a match sport, it’s a Cup sport, so if it wasn’t Indiana – with anyone on this place with at the moment’s sport – it’s a must-win.”

Friday was the second East Group B pool play sport for every group. Milwaukee got here in 1-0 and Indiana 0-1 and Prince mentioned he was very conscious of the place the Bucks stood.

“For those who had a possibility to make one other half 1,000,000 {dollars} I believe you’d sort of take note of (it), so after all,” he mentioned flatly. “We’re human. We all know how a lot it could assist the younger guys in our locker room and clearly successful the championship – the Cup championship – can assist this group and the mindset shifting ahead. So there’s numerous issues to play for on these sort of video games and on a night-to-night foundation.”

Prince was a part of the inaugural Cup-winning group with Darvin Ham’s Los Angeles Lakers final season. Earlier than the Milwaukee beat Toronto of their first Cup sport on Nov. 12, nevertheless, the group’s focus wasn’t a lot on the Cup implications however moderately getting a much-needed win. Rivers did acknowledge, nevertheless, that enjoying properly within the Cup video games and making a run to Las Vegas may very well be useful to a struggling group.

For his half, Prince acknowledged there was one thing to it for the Lakers final season.

“Yeah, for positive,” he started. “A thousand %, so far as mindset and what may very well be and the flexibility to beat groups in an intense stage and that sort of efficiency positively provides you a way of playoff power. So, it’s good for everyone high to backside. I do know playoff is the one factor on this group’s thoughts so video games like tonight we must always see seats crammed up, all people able to go and a win.”

No drama for Bucks, Pacers

The 11 video games between the 2 groups final season featured a number of ejections and bodily confrontations, however three of Indiana’s traditional instigators missed this sport on account of harm, guard Andre Nembhard (knee) and forwards Aaron Nesmith (ankle) and Isaiah Jackson (Achilles).

Portis had a protracted shimmy celebration after hitting a buzzer-beating three-pointer on the finish of the primary quarter and Trent shouted over the Pacers bench to the group after his buzzer-beating three on the finish of the second quarter, however there was no apparent in poor health intent by both group all through the competition.

5 numbers

• 00:00.0: Time left on the clock within the first and second quarters when Bobby Portis and Gary Trent hit three-pointers. The buzzer-beaters have been the highlights of a hot-shooting first half for the pair, as they mixed for 7 three-pointers and 29 factors.
• 3: Consecutive points-assists double-doubles for Damian Lillard after scoring 24 factors and handing out 12 assists.
• 3-1: Bucks file within the first sport of back-to-backs. They host Charlotte Saturday night.
• 6-0: Bucks file in Cup pool play video games the final two seasons (4-0 final 12 months).
• 6: Season-high three-pointers made by Trent.Trent: “There’s gonna be good days, there’s gonna be unhealthy days, it’s on how you’re resilient and the way you strategy it on daily basis. When stuff goes goes good, when stuff goes unhealthy, it’s on who you’re and what you’re about.”

Trying again eventually season

It was a energetic first assembly Friday evening between the groups Fiserv Discussion board as a result of past that outcomes, there was so historical past between the groups because of the 11 video games they performed towards each other final season.

Let’s recap:

Adrian Griffin ejected, Giannis scores 54 factors

Of their first assembly of the season on Nov. 9, 2023, the Bucks blew a late lead at Gainbridge Fieldhouse to lose 126-124 with out Damian Lillard. Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 54 factors for the Bucks and rookie head coach Adrian Griffin was ejected for arguing foul calls with officers.

Tyrese Haliburton steals ‘Dame Time’ celebration in NBA Cup semifinals

On Dec. 7 in Las Vegas the Pacers edged the Bucks 128-119 to advance to the NBA Cup championship sport – and after a giant three-pointer late, Oshkosh native Tyrese Haliburton tapped his wrist like Lillard had completed after game-winning photographs.

Lillard foreshadowed a possible problem between the groups, although, when he mentioned after the sport, “I did not thoughts it. It was what it was. I’ve additionally identified that, you already know, if you find yourself having your second, it is vital to watch out, to be humble in your moments since you simply by no means understand how the tables are going to show or when they’ll flip.

“I revered it. We shook arms after the sport. I wasn’t moved by it left or proper.”

Giannis units franchise file with 64 factors, chases Pacers in sport ball controversy

The groups met once more on Dec. 13 at Fiserv Discussion board, and Antetokounmpo broke Michael Redd’s single-game scoring file by pouring in 64 factors on 20 two-point area targets and 24 free throws in a 140-126 Milwaukee victory. Antetokounmpo additionally had 14 rebounds, 4 steals and a block.

Bobby Portis Jr. was additionally ejected within the sport after receiving two technical fouls for safeguarding Antetokounmpo receiving a flagrant 1 foul by Indiana’s Aaron Nesmith. Eight complete technicals have been whistled within the contest.

However after the sport, Antetokounmpo went streaking down the tunnel and towards the Pacers locker room in quest of the sport ball, resulting in a mass of Bucks and Pacers gamers who needed to be separated by safety and workers. As soon as again on the ground, Antetokounmpo shouted at Haliburton. The Journal Sentinel reported later the largest problem for the Bucks was the truth that the Pacers didn’t shake arms after the loss.

Giannis has triple-double on New Yr’s Day however Pacers win once more

On Jan. 1 the Pacers nonetheless had no reply for Antetokounmpo, who had 30 factors, 18 rebounds and 11 assists however Indiana nonetheless received the sport 122-113. Issues obtained chippy once more, as Indiana’s Isaiah Jackson an T.J. McConnell continued to combine it up with Portis. The latter two every earned technical fouls in a little bit of foreshadowing for the postseason.

Pacers outrun Bucks in Jan. 3 victory

Indiana scored 47 factors within the third quarter to take management of the sport in a 142-130 victory.Within the least contentious of the common season video games, as solely two technical fouls have been issued within the sport. Of their 5 common season video games, 14 technical fouls have been assessed to gamers and Griffin totaled three.

Damian Lillard scores 35 in first half of Sport 1 playoff victory

By the point the groups met once more within the spring for the first-round of the Jap Convention playoffs, the Bucks had a brand new coach in Doc Rivers and Antetokounmpo was out injured with a soleus (calf) pressure. In Sport 1 at Fiserv Discussion board, Damian Lillard scored 35 first half factors to steer the Bucks to a 109-94 victory to take the early lead within the sequence.

After the sport Haliburton mentioned his brother was referred to as a racial slur within the stands.

Khris Middleton injures ankle in Sport 2 loss

The Pacers evened the sequence with a 125-108 victory in Sport 2 after slowing down Lillard within the second half – however Khris Middleton injured an ankle that ultimately required postseason surgical procedure.

Haliburton hits game-winning shot for Pacers in Sport 3

In a raucous Gainbridge Fieldhouse, Khris Middleton practically carried the Bucks to a much-needed street win however Tyrese Haliburton hit a floater and free throw with 1.6 seconds left in extra time for a 121-118 victory. Middleton scored 42 factors and had 10 rebounds within the loss.

Lillard injured his left Achilles within the sport, however returned to complete the competition – however he was clearly a decoy in extra time and couldn’t transfer in any respect.

Bobby Portis ejected in Sport 4 loss

With out Antetokounmpo and Lillard the Bucks have been going to should lean on Middleton and Portis for scoring, however Portis didn’t make it out of the primary quarter as he was ejected for shoving after which slapping Pacers guard Andrew Nembhard.Brook Lopez stepped up with 27 factors and Middleton had one other double-double, however the Pacers took a 3-1 sequence lead with a 126-113 victory.

Middleton, Portis lead Bucks to Sport 5 victory

Middleton and Portis every recorded double-doubles to increase the sequence with a 115-92 victory to ship the sequence again to Indianapolis. Bucks guard Patrick Beverley was shoved into his bench by Pacers ahead Obi Toppin, who picked up a technical foul.

Lillard returns however Pacers win sequence, Patrick Beverley throws ball at fan

The Bucks level guard was decided to play by his Achilles pressure and returned for Sport 6, however the Pacers had management all through in a 120-98 victory. The Bucks have been referred to as for six technical fouls within the sequence.Late within the sport, Beverley fired a ball into the stands at Pacers followers. The incident could be investigated by Indianapolis police, however no costs have been filed. Within the postgame locker room, Beverley informed an ESPN producer to depart his media scrum. These actions resulted in a four-game suspension, ought to the guard return to the NBA.

Whew.

Is Giannis enjoying?

Sure. He has been enjoying by ache in his proper knee all season.

What channel are the Bucks on?

Regardless of this being an NBA Cup sport – and one with such historical past – the sport was flexed out of a nationwide TV spot. So, it’ll start at 7 p.m. and be broadcast domestically on FanDuel Sports activities Community with Lisa Byington, Steve Novak and Melanie Ricks on the decision.

Bucks harm report

• Khris Middleton, out (surgical procedure on each ankles)Rivers: “It is simply health-based. When he is prepared, he is prepared. All that’s hopeful. Once more, there isn’t any date. However he is getting nearer so I am saying I am hopeful that he’ll be again one sport subsequent week probably. No (he has not performed five-on-five) however I am not that involved by that. Do not use that as your information.”
• Ryan Rollins, out (left shoulder dislocation)
• AJ Johnson, out (left Achilles tendinitis)Rivers: “No (concern). I believe he will be OK.”
• Liam Robbins, out (left heel contusion)
• Giannis Antetokounmpo, accessible (proper patella tendinopathy)

Bucks beginning lineup

• Guards: Damian Lillard, Andre Jackson Jr.
• Forwards: Giannis Antetokounmpo, Taurean Prince
• Heart: Brook Lopez

Bucks vs Pacers odds, over/beneath

Milwaukee is a 5.5-point favourite over Indiana and the over/beneath is 236.5 factors, per BetMGM.