In a crucial showdown to even the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series, Pascal Siakam showcased his championship pedigree, leading the Indiana Pacers to a resounding 125-108 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks with a stellar 37-point performance on Tuesday night.
Following a disappointing Game 1 loss, Siakam emphasized the importance of hunger and determination for the Pacers. “We’ve got to be the hungry team,” Siakam stated. “We’ve got to be the team that’s coming in and wanting to show something. That’s the attitude that we’ve got to have against those guys, because they’ve done it before.”
The Pacers, eager to snap their 10-game playoff losing streak dating back to 2018, acquired Siakam in January precisely for his postseason experience with the Toronto Raptors. Siakam’s remarkable consistency earned him a historic feat, becoming the first NBA player since Wilt Chamberlain in 1967 to open a postseason with consecutive 35-point, 10-rebound performances.
“His experience in the playoffs is so valuable,” Pacers coach Rick Carlisle said. “He’s not a guy that’s going to get rattled by anything. Never has once since January, since we got him. He’s a guy that people confide in and look up to.”
Despite Damian Lillard’s formidable first-half efforts for the Bucks, scoring 26 points in the half and scoring 34 points in the game on Tuesday, the Pacers maintained control throughout, leading 60-55 at halftime. Indiana stayed ahead throughout the second half.
Reflecting on the team’s performance, Lillard remarked, “I think both games we had a lot of success in the first two quarters mainly, and then in the second half we kind of get away from the things we had a lot of success doing.”
With Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined due to injury once again, the Bucks struggled to contain the Pacers’ offensive onslaught. Myles Turner contributed 22 points, while Andrew Nembhard added 20 points. Tyrese Haliburton had 12 points and 12 assists.
“I thought we struggled execution-wise on the offensive end, and I thought that bled over to the defensive end,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said. “I thought it was more our offense tonight.”
Despite a late surge from the Bucks, cutting Indiana’s lead to one in the third quarter, the Pacers maintained their composure and responded emphatically, extending their lead to as much as 23 points in the fourth quarter.
Siakam’s leadership and veteran presence were instrumental in guiding the Pacers to victory. “He’s established himself on a our team as a veteran leader, as somewhat of a mentor because he’s been there,” Carlisle said. “He’s constantly saying, ‘Keep your edge. Keep your edge. Keep your edge.’ He’s been through these things too many times.”
With the series tied at one game apiece, the Pacers look to carry their momentum into Game 3, set to take place in Indianapolis on Friday.
