The Bucks returned to their winning ways on Wednesday night by defeating the Pacers 119-100. After failing to score 100 points in back-to-back games, the Bucks’ offense returned to form.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led all scorers with 29 points. The reigning MVP also pulled down 12 rebounds and dished out 6 assists. Khris Middleton rediscovered his shooting stroke after a rough game returning from injury against the Heat. Middleton had 20 points and 8 rebounds, and remains on track for a rare 50-40-90 season. Donte DiVincenzo stole the show with 19 points in 23 minutes off the bench. Eric Bledsoe had 16 points and Wes Matthews had 15.
Indiana was led by TJ Warren, who had 18 points. All-Star forward Domantas Sabonis had 15 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists. Former Buck Malcolm Brogdon only had 4 points in 11 minutes before exiting the game early with an injury.
The Bucks were able to set the pace in this game, unlike their previous games against the Hornets and Heat. Milwaukee jumped out to an early first quarter lead, but allowed the Pacers to narrow the gap to just two points at halftime. As is their signature, the Bucks came out of the half ready to assert their will on their opponents. Milwaukee outscored Indiana 31-23 in the third quarter, and 30-21 in the fourth. The Bucks were able to pull away in large part due to the fantastic all-around play of Eric Bledsoe in the second half. Beldsoe had struggled in the previous two games, but had a really solid game in this contest as he also dished out 7 assists and pulled in 5 rebounds.
Game Notes
The Bucks improved to 53-9, and have a 16-game lead over the Pacers in the division.
With the win tonight, the Bucks remain the only team in the NBA not to lose in back-to-back games.
DiVincenzo’s 19 points match his career-high.
Kyle Korver did not play again tonight, but is expected to travel with the team over the weekend.
The Bucks next three games are all on the road against Western Conference teams, highlighted by a Friday night match up against the Lakers.
Indiana saw its 4-game winning streak come to an end.
The Bucks won the season series against Indiana 3-1.
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