The Indiana Pacers are still trying to mesh and figure out the chemistry after getting blew out 130-110 on Wednesday night at the Fiserv Forum.
A collective effort placed the Bucks at 13-8 beginning a two game-winning streak. Defensively the Pacers couldn’t match the aggression dealing with Antetokounmpo attacking at will.
Malcolm Brgodon in the first half guarded Antetokounmpo but was exploited after the reigning Most Valuable Player slashed to the rim using his length.
Brogdon finished with 12 points while Domantas Sabonis 33 points and 12 rebounds weren’t enough for a victory.
Donte DiVincenzo and Bryn Forbes combined for 36 points making eight of 15 threes building off the lead.
“In the Pacers’ only win last season, Giannis Antetokounmpo didn’t play. In 2018-19, the Bucks won by 17, 9 and 19. The one win that season came with Antetokounmpo limited by foul trouble. Antetokounmpo (21 points, 14 rebounds, 10 assists) didn’t play after the third quarter and got all of his shots inside or at the foul line (7-for-8 at each). The Bucks (13-8) had seven players in double figures,” per IndyStar.
Giannis spoke with media members on his approach to the game in years prior since his rise as a top 10 player in the NBA.
“Probably last year and the year before and the year before that, I’ll go into a game and I’m just too stubborn to not be at my best every single night and I try to go through guys. Three guys are guarding me and I still try to get in the paint. I think that this is just a step forward to this leadership,” Antetokounmpo said.
The Pacers zone defense transitioned to the Bucks outscoring them 38-21 points in the third quarter.
As the Pacers return home for the next two home games, Pacers coach Nate Bjorkgren will have to make adjustments against a crafty New Orleans Pelicans team.
Flip the pages for IND vs. MIL post-game highlights.
