INDIANAPOLIS INDIAAPOLIS — If Indiana’s Milwaukee Bucks needed a steadying presence on Friday night in Indiana, Giannis Antetokounmpo provided the necessary stability — not just from the line of free-throws.
It was the Eastern Conference All-Star captain finished with 41 points with 12 rebounds, six assists, and completed five of eight free-throws during the last four minutes of the game to aid in helping Bucks beat Indiana’s second-half game to secure a victory of 141-131.
“We found a rhythm that allowed us to keep going in the second quarter,” Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer stated. “These road victories are delicious and there were really positive aspects, particularly during the first half.”
Jrue Holiday scored the 23 points and 9 assists to Milwaukee, Khris Middelton added 17 points despite only playing 15 minutes.
Budenholzer loved Antetokounmpo’s style in his free throws late during the Central Division’s lead-up Bucks have won their third straight game, this time before a welcoming crowd on the road.
For the Pacers the game was a script that was familiar slow start with a deep hole, then a the late rally. They’ve won the NBA’s top prize 11 times when they’ve trailed by double-digits in the season, and twice when they trailed by more than 20 points.
However, this time the deficit of 33 points in the first half was just too for the Pacers to overcome. Myles Turner was the leading scorer for Indiana’s Pacers by scoring 24 points, while Buddy Hield added 22 as Indiana fell to the New York Knicks for the 9th time over ten games.
“The beginnings that we’ve had to endure have been terrible,” T.J. McConnell declared after he finished at 19 with nine points. “It was the speed. If we go out and run and play at a speed and we’re pretty fast. If we’re unable to get to an end to our run, you can will see what transpired during the first half.’
Milwaukee gained control quickly thanks to an unbalanced attack and awe-inspiring 3-point shooting. The Bucks 9th 3 was the culmination of an impressive 15-3 run that ended the first quarter, giving them a lead of 45-30. The run continued into the second period as the lead grew to 85-52 in the closing minute of halftime.
However, Indiana eventually came back with a third-quarter win. They cut it down to 114-99. They gradually climbed the score in the fourth quarter, repeatedly dispatching Antetokounmpo into the open-throw zone. With just 3:27 left they were in the 131-124 range but the Bucks did not let Indiana advance any further.
TIP-INS
Bucks: The first-half’s 85 points was a season-high. … Antetokounmpo was playing in his third straight game after being out for five games due to injured knee. He was 7-18 in free throws. … Brook Lopez scored 15 points, while Pat Connaughton had 14 as the Bucks scored 19 3s.
