Giannis Antetokounmpo put on a show in Milwaukee on Friday night, leading the Bucks to a decisive 129-117 victory over the Indiana Pacers. The superstar recorded his second triple-double in the last four games with an incredible stat line of 37 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists. This win extends the Bucks’ current winning streak and solidifies their strong position in the NBA Cup.
A Dominant Performance by the Greek Freak
From the opening tip, Giannis Antetokounmpo set the tone for the Milwaukee Bucks. His aggressive play and all-around skill were too much for the Indiana Pacers to handle. He controlled the game on both ends of the court, scoring efficiently, dominating the glass, and creating opportunities for his teammates.
This performance marked Giannis’ second triple-double in his last four appearances, highlighting a period of exceptional form for the two-time MVP. His ability to impact every aspect of the game was the clear difference-maker, ensuring the Bucks never trailed throughout the entire contest.
Bucks’ Supporting Cast Steps Up
While Giannis was the star of the night, he had plenty of help from his teammates. The Bucks’ offense was firing on all cylinders, with several players making significant contributions to the 129-117 win. This team effort has been a key part of their recent success.
Damian Lillard was instrumental, orchestrating the offense with 24 points and 12 assists. Gary Trent Jr. provided a spark off the bench, scoring a season-high 18 points, while Bobby Portis added a solid 17 points to the tally. This balanced attack has pushed the Bucks to three straight wins and five victories in their last six games.
Game Statistics at a Glance
The Pacers fought hard, with solid efforts from their key players, but they couldn’t match Milwaukee’s offensive firepower. Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 25 points, but the team’s recent struggles continued as they dropped their third consecutive game.
The box score shows a clear picture of Milwaukee’s balanced scoring and Giannis’s all-around dominance.
| Player | Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists |
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | Bucks | 37 | 11 | 10 |
| Damian Lillard | Bucks | 24 | 4 | 12 |
| Gary Trent Jr. | Bucks | 18 | 5 | 2 |
| Bobby Portis | Bucks | 17 | 7 | 3 |
| Pascal Siakam | Pacers | 25 | 8 | 4 |
| Bennedict Mathurin | Pacers | 20 | 6 | 2 |
| Tyrese Haliburton | Pacers | 18 | 5 | 9 |
Turning the Tide in the Fourth Quarter
Despite trailing by as many as 20 points, the Pacers showed resilience and mounted a comeback late in the game. They managed to cut the deficit to just six points, making the score 108-102 with under 10 minutes remaining and putting pressure on the home team.
However, Giannis Antetokounmpo took over when it mattered most, making several crucial plays to stop the Pacers’ momentum and secure the win. His leadership in these moments was vital for the Bucks.
- Clutch Assist: Giannis found a wide-open Gary Trent Jr. for a key three-pointer that stalled the Pacers’ run.
- Game-Changing Defense: He then made a huge defensive play, blocking a shot from Bennedict Mathurin that led directly to a fast-break dunk, re-energizing the crowd and his team.
These plays effectively ended Indiana’s comeback hopes and allowed the Bucks to cruise to victory.
NBA Cup Implications for Both Teams
This victory was significant for the Bucks’ standing in the inaugural NBA Cup. With the win, Milwaukee improved to a perfect 2-0 in East Group B, putting them in a strong position to advance to the quarterfinals. Coach Doc Rivers noted the team’s motivation, stating, “They sure played that way while never trailing all night.”
For the Indiana Pacers, the loss drops them to 0-2 in group play. As last season’s tournament runner-up, their current form is a cause for concern. The team will need to regroup quickly to have any chance of turning their tournament hopes around.
Frequently Asked Questions
What were Giannis Antetokounmpo’s final stats in the game against the Pacers?
Giannis Antetokounmpo finished the game with a triple-double, recording 37 points, 11 rebounds, and 10 assists to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to victory.
Who were the other key contributors for the Milwaukee Bucks?
Damian Lillard had a strong performance with 24 points and 12 assists. Gary Trent Jr. scored a season-high 18 points, and Bobby Portis added 17 points.
What is the Bucks’ current record in the NBA Cup?
Following their win against the Pacers, the Milwaukee Bucks improved their record to 2-0 in NBA Cup group play, placing them in a favorable position in East Group B.
How has the Indiana Pacers team been performing recently?
The Indiana Pacers have been struggling, losing three straight games and five of their last six. Their record in the NBA Cup fell to 0-2 after the loss to Milwaukee.
