Damian Lillard erupted for a blazing first half again.
But the Indiana Pacers flipped the script for a resounding response.
Pascal Siakam went off for a playoff-career high of 37 points and the Indiana Pacers overcame another Lillard first-half explosion to topple the Milwaukee Bucks, 125-108. This tied their Eastern Conference first-round playoff series at one game apiece.
The @Pacers dominate in Game 2! 🗣?💪
Siakam: 37 PTS | 11 REB | 6 AST
— NBA TV (@NBATV) April 24, 2024
Turner: 22 PTS | 7 REB | 6 AST
Nembhard: 20 PTS | 4 REB | 3 AST
Indy ties the series 1-1 🍿 pic.twitter.com/CxPA347Hkw
Siakam added 11 rebounds and six dimes on an ultra-efficient 16-of-23 shooting and the Pacers used a riveting 20-4 fourth quarter run to break the game wide open en route to much-needed road win.
Pascal Siakam DOMINATED to help the @Pacers tie the series 1-1 in Game 2!
37 PTS | 11 REB | 6 AST | 3 3PM
Game 3: Friday, 5:30pm/et on ESPN pic.twitter.com/jOSu1QOGil
— NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2024
The 2019 NBA champion found an open Myles Turner in the corner, who then connected a triple to give the Pacers a 112-92 lead with 6:22 left in regulation.
20-4 PACERS RUN ??
Myles Turner connects from the corner to extend Indy's lead in the 4th quarter on NBA TV! pic.twitter.com/nh3xw19j2s
— NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2024
Turner finished with 22 points and Andrew Nembhard 20 with Tyrese Haliburton adding a double-double of 12 points and 12 assists.
The Pacers rode a sizzling shooting beyond the arc, going 16-of-36 and moved the ball better behind a 38-24 assist advantage.
On the other hand, two nights after scoring all 35 of his points in the first half of the Bucks’ 109-94 Game 1 victory, Lillard had 26 by halftime built on six triples and finished with 34.
DAME TIME. ??
— NBA (@NBA) April 24, 2024
Damian Lillard just put up 26 PTS with 6 3PM in the 1st half of Game 2 on NBA TV! pic.twitter.com/rypnpA2KNe
However, it wasn’t enough to lead the Bucks, who are still missing two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo anew due to a strained left calf.
Brook Lopez scored 22 points and shot 6 of 7 from 3-point range with Khris Middleton adding 15 and Bobby Portis contributing a double-double of 14 points and 11 rebounds.
Milwaukee scored a few quick points to open the fourth quarter and get closer at 92-88 after a Pat Connaughton free throw. But that was the closest they ever got in the fourth.
The series now shifts to Indianapolis on Saturday (PH time) for Game 3.
