The Bucks traveled to Bankers Life Fieldhouse on Thursday to battle the Pacers. Both teams brought their A games on offense. The Bucks came out on top with a 142-133 victory. Let’s break it down in our Bucks vs. Pacers recap!
First Half
The Bucks were able to weather the storm in the first half. Indiana was on fire from 3 in the first half, as they made 13 as a team. The biggest part of Indiana’s hot shooting was Justin Holiday, who made 6 threes and scored 18 points in the first 24 minutes. Ball movement played a big role in Indiana’s great shooting, as they assisted on 20 of their 25 made shots. Milwaukee led at the break, 69-66, which was very impressive considering what they were up against shooting wise from the Pacers. Giannis was able to get in the paint and dominate as usual, leading the Bucks in scoring at the break with 17 points. Bobby Portis chimed in off the bench with 10 points and 4 rebounds.
Halftime Notables
Bucks:
Giannis Antetokounmpo: 17 points/6 rebounds/3 assists
Khris Middleton: 11 points/1 rebound/4 assists
Bobby Portis: 10 points/4 rebounds
Pacers:
Justin Holiday: 18 points/1 rebound/1 assist
Doug McDermott: 13 points/5-9 FG/3-5 3PT
T.J. McConnell: 12 points/3 rebounds/3 assists
Second Half
Giannis Antetokounmpo activated takeover against the Pacers defense. Giannis dunked seemingly whenever he wanted to and the Pacers found no ways to shut him down. Jrue Holiday did exactly what the Bucks traded for him to do. Jrue was able to score and facilitate the way that Bucks GM Jon Horst had imagined when he pulled the trigger on a trade to acquire him last offseason. Holiday finished with 20 points and dished out a team high 14 assists. Brook Lopez was a huge piece for the Bucks in the second half, scoring 15 of his 21 points after halftime. Indiana’s offense continued their hot shooting after the break and the Bucks had to get into a hard-fought shootout to win.
Game Notables
Bucks:
Giannis Antetokounmpo: 40 points/15 rebounds/6 assists
Khris Middleton: 22 points/4 rebounds/6 assists
Brook Lopez: 21 points/8 rebounds
Jrue Holiday: 20 points/4 rebounds/14 assists
Pacers:
Justin Holiday: 26 points/5 rebounds/5 assists
T.J. McConnell: 23 points/5 rebounds/7 assists
Oshae Brissett: 19 points/3 rebounds/1 assist
Doug McDermott: 19 points/1 rebound/2 assists
Player of the Game
The obvious choice for the Player of the Game honors is Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two-time reigning league MVP showed what got him that award in the first place. Giannis was aggressive all game, attacking the Pacers defense and throwing down dunk after dunk. Antetokounmpo’s aggressive mindset got him to the free throw line 16 times. He made 11 out of 16 of his free throws and shot 14/18 from the field. Any time a player can score 40 points is impressive, especially when they only make one 3.
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Conclusion
The Bucks offense showed that they can score with the best of teams in the league. Indiana was able to stay in the game due to hot three point shooting, but the Bucks responded by staying aggressive on offense. Milwaukee got production from plenty of players with 4 players finishing with 20 or more points. The Bucks will play their final home game of the season on Saturday vs. Miami.
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