Indiana Pacers‘ route of the Milwaukee Bucks made for an impressive season opener. The game, held at the Pacers’ home arena, showcased the team’s defensive prowess and offensive execution, setting the tone for their season.
Myles Turner stepped up big for the Pacers, dropping 19 points. He was a force on the defensive end, registering four blocks. His overall paint presence was a big reason why the Bucks had difficulty getting their shots off. The Pacers’ defense was downright stifling, particularly in the first half. They forced the Bucks into a terrible 2 of 16 from deep and held them to just 9 of 37 overall from 3 on the night. This is in stark opposition to the Bucks’ usual modus operandi. Last year, they finished first in the league, incredibly mind you, with 38.7% shooting from three.
On the offensive side, Pascal Siakam made his mark with 25 points and seven rebounds, playing a pivotal role in pushing the Pacers ahead. And boy did Tyrese Haliburton shine on this night! He finished with 10 points and dazzled the crowd (and scouts) with 12 assists, on full display his elite playmaking and vision. AJ Green was the Pacers’ high-scorer with 15 points. Behind him, Gary Trent Jr. added 14 points as part of their deep and wide-open scoring attack.
Despite Giannis Antetokounmpo’s standout performance for the Bucks, which included 36 points and 12 rebounds, it was not enough to overcome the Pacers’ strong start. Antetokounmpo’s efforts were commendable, especially considering he missed all six games of last year’s opening round series due to a calf injury. He even picked up a second assist as part of a comeback attempt by his team.
As the game progressed, it became evident that the Pacers’ defensive strategy effectively neutralized the Bucks’ offensive threats. As the video above details, the crew masterfully threw Milwaukee’s flow out of whack at every opportunity during the entire game. This year’s championship win was dominating and conveys a powerful message to their competition.
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