The playoffs have begun, and the Indiana Pacers are sending early signals into it; they take a 2-0 lead in the series against the Milwaukee Bucks. The Pacers beat the Bucks 123-115 on excellent performances from Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton, showcasing the offense’s depth and defense’s maturity at the same time.
Siakam Shines Again
He has made a great impression since arriving at the Pacers in mid-season, and his effect has arguably been beyond expectation. He also had 5 assists while anchoring Indiana’s offense in the midst of a Bucks comeback in Game 2, where he posted a double-double of 28 points and 12 rebounds.
The playoff experience helped him guide a young Pacers squad that looked anything but nervous on the road. “Siakam has been a huge addition,” said Pacers coach Rick Carlisle. “He plays with poise and brings that veteran leadership we need in games like this.”
Haliburton’s Court Vision on Full Display
Haliburton’s court vision in full effect. Whereas Siakam ruled the scoring in the paint and transition plays, Haliburton ruled the pace with his amazing play. The Pacers’ guy scored 22 points and dished out 13 assists, shooting through the Bucks’ defense to create open looks for teammates.
“Tyrese and Siakam have this unspoken connection,” said Turner, the Pacers’ forward. “You can feel the chemistry building every game, and it’s contagious.”
Giannis’s Absence Makes It All the More Difficult for the Bucks to Contain Indiana’s Offense
High expectations were pinned on the Bucks when entering the playoffs, but deep pressure now suffocates them as they retake the floor, down 0-2. Giannis Antetokounmpo failed to help the team today again, recuperating from a calf injury, and the Bucks really needed his presence at both ends.
Another star, Damian Lillard, tried to hold the team together with a 34-point output, but he found little help as the rest of the Bucks exited early. “We need to regroup,” said Bucks head coach Doc Rivers. “Give credit to Indiana-Siakam and the whole lineup truly outplayed us when it mattered most.”
Tenacious Defense by Siakam
Not to diminish his noteworthy offensive stats, but Siakam’s defensive input also mattered just as much. He often switched to defend Lillard in crucial situations, using his length to contest shots and clog the driving lane.
“Defense wins playoff games,” said Siakam after the game. “I know I have to lead on both ends, and I love that challenge. We play together, and that makes us dangerous.”
Bench Plays Big For Indiana
The Pacers bench provided a major lift, as Toppin and Nembhard combined for 27 points. The depth the Pacers have makes them a tough matchup for any team when Siakam and Haliburton can play at this level.
“The bench’s energy gives us life,” Siakam said. “When those guys come in and hit shots or make key stops, that just motivates everybody.”
Coclusion
Now the series travels to Indiana, where the Pacers will be looking to take a near-insurmountable 3-0 lead in front of a raucous home crowd. The Bucks may soon find themselves in a deep playoff hole if Siakam keeps putting on his dominant two-way performances.
Obviously, the Pacers are going to keep executing their game plan while letting their leaders like Siakam and Haliburton set the tone.
“Not yet satisfied,” says Siakam. “We’ve done what we’ve needed to do so far, but it’s not finished.
