Myles Turner, the center for the Indiana Pacers, learned a valuable lesson from their loss in Game 1 last week: when there’s an opportunity to shoot, don’t hesitate.
Putting this lesson into practice, Turner had another outstanding performance on Sunday night. He scored 29 points for the second consecutive game, grabbed nine rebounds, and dished out four assists.
His impressive display included making seven 3-pointers, contributing to the Pacers setting a new franchise playoff record with 22 made 3-pointers in their 126-113 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. This win gives the Pacers a 3-1 lead in the best-of-seven series.
“After analyzing the first game, we identified some weaknesses in the defense and realized there were open shots we could take advantage of,” Turner explained. “Much of our offense relies on reading and reacting to the defense.”
Turner’s exceptional play in the last two games has been pivotal for the Pacers. Despite previously facing trade rumors, Turner’s performance has won over fans, who cheered his name during the game.
Now, the Pacers are heading back to Milwaukee for Game 5 with momentum from three consecutive victories, aiming to reach the Eastern Conference semifinals for the first time since 2014. Meanwhile, the Bucks are looking to avoid another early exit from the playoffs.
Yes, the Bucks faced challenges on Sunday as two key players, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, couldn’t play due to injuries. Antetokounmpo has been out since April 9 with a left calf strain, while Lillard injured his Achilles tendon in a game on Friday.
Both players might miss the next game on Tuesday as well.
However, injuries haven’t been the only issue for the Bucks against the Pacers this season. Despite Milwaukee’s good health, the Pacers have won seven out of nine matchups.
Sunday’s game followed a similar pattern. Tyrese Haliburton scored 24 points, marking his second consecutive playoff career high. Andrew Nembhard contributed 15 points and nine rebounds, while Pascal Siakam added 13 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists.
Bucks coach Doc Rivers acknowledged the need to adjust their strategies due to the missing players but felt his team held up well.
Despite their efforts, the Bucks couldn’t even the series. Brook Lopez led the team with 27 points and nine rebounds, and Khris Middleton added 25 points, 10 rebounds, and five assists despite playing through an ankle sprain and foul trouble in the second half.
The Bucks faced depth issues during the game, which might be a concern again for the upcoming game on Tuesday. Middleton sustained a left ankle injury, Pat Connaughton hurt his ribs, and Bobby Portis Jr. was ejected from the game in the first quarter after a scuffle with Andrew Nembhard, resulting in six technical fouls in the first half.
Rivers mentioned it was unfortunate when Portis got ejected early in the game, recognizing the intensity of playoff matches. He emphasized that once such incidents occur, there’s no way to undo them.
Despite the setback, the Pacers couldn’t capitalize fully, leading by just three points at halftime.
However, the game shifted in the third quarter. After Lopez scored for the Bucks, Haliburton made three consecutive 3-pointers, giving the Pacers a 10-point lead. From there, Indiana steadily increased their advantage, reaching a 17-point lead at one stage.
Although Milwaukee made a late surge in the third quarter and early in the fourth, cutting the deficit to six points, Indiana responded with a strong run of their own. They built a 14-point lead again, with Turner making crucial 3-pointers towards the end.
Turner, who was unaware of the fans chanting his name during the game, expressed gratitude for the support, especially with his family in attendance. He described the moment as special, given his connection to the city and its significance to him.
