Pacers and Bucks were impatiently awaiting this new double confrontation to attack 2024, particularly since the scuffle that occurred after the last match between the two teams, a confusion against the backdrop of a coveted “match ball”.
For this fourth act, we were treated to a series match. From the start, it was Milwaukee who launched the hostilities with a skillful Malik Beasley from afar to support the Lillard-Antetokounmpo duo (26-11). Indiana immediately responded, briefly going back in front after going 13-2 concluded by Aaron Nesmith's 3-pointer (37-38). The Bucks, however, regained control before the break, between a 10-2 marked by 3-pointers from Khris Middleton and Brook Lopez, then an 11-2 just before the break, with Giannis Antetokounmpo and Pat Connaughton at 3-points for ensure the locals were six steps ahead at the break (62-56).
Roomer, Tyrese Haliburton brings the match ball to the referees…
While the tension remained very present, the Bucks thought they had done the hardest part when they went 11-2 with a big dunk from the “Greek Freak” and a new 3-pointer from Brook Lopez to move to +15 ( 82-67). But once again, Indiana refused to give up, and set about coming back, with Tyrese Haliburton at the helm, but also two baskets from Bennedict Mathurin to bring the gap back to -2 (86-84). So much so that from the start of the fourth quarter, the Pacers regained the advantage! It was the three baskets from the fiery Isaiah Jackson which finally tipped the scales once again (93-94), thus putting the pressure back on the Bucks.
Except this time, Indiana held on until the end, relying on its defense to generate quick play, but also on its warriors, TJ McConnell and Bennedict Mathurin. Tyrese Haliburton hit the nail on the head with two mid-range baskets putting his team at +9 (104-113) two minutes from the end then a “floater” with the foul as a bonus in response to the locals' attempt at a comeback ( 109-116). After securing the victory (122-113), synonymous with a return to 6th place for Indy, Tyrese Haliburton was happy to bring the match ball to one of the referees with a big smile. Next match between the two teams, tomorrow, in Indianapolis this time!
WHAT YOU MUST REMEMBER
– Electricity in the air. After the very tense end of the match during the last opposition between the two teams, concluded with 64 points and a big anger from Giannis Antetokounmpo, we felt a special atmosphere for this reunion between Bucks and Pacers. The match failed to degenerate on several occasions, notably at the start of the match after Isaiah Jackson's big fall accompanied by Bobby Portis (ultimately not sanctioned) after a fight on the rebound. Bobby Portis finally took a technical foul late in the third quarter after a bad hit on TJ McConnell. Generally speaking, the referees managed this ambient tension rather well.
– Hello from Tyrese Haliburton. A native of Wisconsin, in front of his parents' eyes, the leader of the Pacers delivered a (new) lesson in accuracy with several decisive baskets which allowed Indiana to make the hole and then secure the victory. Just like his teammates, the leader must have had a lot on his plate after the scenario of the last match dominated by the “Greek Freak”, and did his best to ensure that the outcome was different this time, with a money-time perfectly managed
– The incredibly productive Pacers bench. The Indiana bench dominated the debates with 70 points on the clock against 16 for Milwaukee! The Pacers were able to count on much more than simple relays but real energizers who helped to dynamite the Bucks defense, between the 25 points of Bennedict Mathurin, the 18 of Isaiah Jackson, or the +/- of +35 by Obi Toppin, without forgetting the big end of the match from TJ McConnell as well (16 points, 9 assists).
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How to read the stats? Min = Minutes; Shots = Successful shots / Attempted shots; 3pts = 3-points / 3-points attempted; LF = free throws made / free throws attempted; O = offensive rebound; D=defensive rebound; T = Total rebounds; Pd = assists; Fte: Personal fouls; Int = Intercepts; Bp = Lost balls; Ct: Against; +/- = Point differential when the player is on the field; Pts = Points; Eval: player evaluation calculated from positive actions – negative actions.
