Pacers’ Late Rally Falls Short as Bucks Clinch Hard-Fought Win
The Indiana Pacers nearly pulled off a stunning fourth-quarter comeback, but the Milwaukee Bucks held firm to secure a 105-99 victory in a game that exposed the contrasting realities of these two Eastern Conference teams. With Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined for his sixth straight game due to a right calf strain and Kyle Kuzma also out, the Bucks leaned on a mix of depth and resilience to overcome a Pacers squad that’s clearly still finding its identity post-trade deadline.
The game started with Milwaukee asserting control, but the story really unfolded in the middle quarters. Indiana struggled offensively, scoring just 36 points across the second and third periods while the Bucks racked up 60. That 24-minute stretch created a daunting 20-point deficit for the Pacers. Yet, the fourth quarter brought a dramatic shift. Indiana unleashed an 18-2 run, cutting the lead to just four points and seemingly putting the momentum squarely in their favor. Andrew Nembhard emerged as the standout performer, pouring in 18 of his 22 points during this late surge, nearly completing what would have been one of the season’s more memorable comebacks.
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But Milwaukee’s response was precise and timely. Kevin Porter Jr. ignited a 7-0 run that restored breathing room for the Bucks, with key contributions from Bobby Portis and Jericho Sims ensuring the Pacers’ rally would ultimately fall short. The Bucks outrebounded Indiana 48-37 and dominated second-chance points 17-8, statistics that underline why the outcome tilted Milwaukee’s way despite missing their superstar. Ryan Rollins added 22 points and Portis contributed 21, marking a return to form after a brief absence with a bruised hip.
For the Pacers, the game highlighted both promise and ongoing challenges. Their small-ball approach sparked the late rally and reflects a recent strategic shift aimed at optimizing scoring and spacing. The acquisition of Ivica Zubac at the trade deadline signals that Indiana is working to shore up interior depth, recognizing the need for a more versatile roster. T.J. McConnell also marked a milestone, moving past Tyrese Haliburton on the franchise’s all-time assists list, providing a reminder that individual achievements continue even amid team struggles.
This matchup underscores how different paths in a single division can shape results. The Bucks are navigating a transitional period without Giannis, yet they remain competitive when executing collectively. The Pacers, meanwhile, are balancing short-term experimentation with long-term planning. Games like this matter because they not only influence playoff seeding, but they also reveal the evolving strategies and identities of each franchise.
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