The NBA Playoffs have officially tipped off with the Milwaukee Bucks and the Indiana Pacers doing battle in Indianapolis, Indiana at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Pacers and Bucks are Central Division foes with a history of knowing each other well. Last season, the Pacers knocked the Bucks out of the NBA Playoffs. Giannis Antetokounmpo was not available. Will the Pacers be able to handle the Bucks when their best player is on the court? Let’s find out together.
First Half Of Game 1 In NBA Playoffs
The game started fast with the Pacers winning the tip. Myles Turner hit a three to put the blue and gold on the scoreboard. The Bucks would also start fast with Ryan Rollins getting to the paint for a layup. The first quarter would be a back-and-forth affair until the 3:19 mark where the Pacers would gain a little separation.
At the 2:06 mark, Pascal Siakam hit a 28-foot-three with Obi Toppin on the assist to make it a 30-19 game. At the end of the first, it would be a 33-25 lead for the blue and gold. The Pacers would gain even more control in the second quarter with everyone taking part in growing this lead. The Bucks would only have one starter with double figures scoring at the half with Antetokounmpo having 19 points. The Pacers hold a 67-43 lead at the half. The bench scored 20 points to help out. The Pacers were in full control. Let’s see if they keep this momentum for the second half.
The Second Half
The Pacers would keep their foot on the gas to start the second half. The first points went to the Bucks when Brook Lopez hit two free throws to make it a 67-45 game. Andrew Nembhard would be the first Pacer to score with a 22-foot jump shot to make it 69-45. Indiana’s defense would ramp up with the Bucks not scoring again till the 8:19 mark of the third with the score at 74-49.
The Bucks finally got a spark but Turner hit a three on the next possession to make it 77-49. The Pacers would continue to play in front with the score at the end of three quarters 93-76. The fourth quarter started with a TJ McConnell 17-foot jump shot to make it 95-76. The Pacers held a 25-point lead at one point. The Bucks fought back to make it a 107-95 game with 2:58 to go in the fourth.
The Pacers missed eight shots in a row until Turner hit a stepback three to make it 110-95. The Pacers would not look back to secure the wire-to-wire win. The Pacers set the tone in Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs.
Final Thoughts
The Pacers took Game 1 of the best-of-7 series against the Bucks. The Bucks leading scorer of Game 1 of the NBA Playoffs was Antetokounmpo with 36 points, 13 rebounds, and 1 assist. The Pacers leading scorer was Siakam with 25 points, 7 rebounds, and 2 assists. My takeaway is if the Bucks have any chance they will need more scoring from other players besides Antetokounmpo in the NBA Playoffs. The Bucks have no chance of winning with two of their starters not able to score a point. Stay tuned to Total Apex for all the latest NBA Playoff news.
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