Pacers Defeat Bucks 129-103, Take 3-1 Series Lead/ Newslooks/ WASHINGTON/ J. Mansour/ Morning Edition/ The Indiana Pacers surged to a dominant 129-103 win over the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 4, taking a 3-1 series lead. Damian Lillard exited early with a serious lower leg injury, devastating Milwaukee’s hopes. Indiana can clinch the series Tuesday at home.
Pacers Dominate Bucks, Take 3-1 Series Lead: Quick Looks
- Indiana Pacers defeat Milwaukee Bucks 129-103 in Game 4.
- Damian Lillard leaves early with suspected Achilles injury.
- Myles Turner leads Pacers with 23 points; team shoots 60.2%.
- Eight Pacers score in double figures in balanced attack.
- Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo posts 28 points, 15 rebounds.
- Milwaukee’s playoff road losing streak extends to eight games.
- Game 5 set for Tuesday night in Indianapolis.
- Bucks face elimination without Lillard and possible lineup changes.
Pacers Defeat Bucks 129-103, Take 3-1 Series Lead
Deep Look
Pacers Roll Past Injury-Plagued Bucks, Move Within One Win of Series Victory
MILWAUKEE — The Indiana Pacers moved one step closer to advancing in the playoffs with a commanding 129-103 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night, taking a 3-1 lead in the first-round series while the Bucks suffered a devastating blow with the loss of Damian Lillard to injury.
Indiana seized control early and never let up, shooting a blistering 60.2% from the field and showcasing a well-rounded offensive attack that overwhelmed a Milwaukee team already battling adversity. Myles Turner led the way with 23 points, and eight Pacers players scored in double figures.
The turning point came midway through the first quarter when Lillard suffered a non-contact lower left leg injury. Preliminary assessments, according to a source speaking anonymously, indicate a possible Achilles tendon issue, though further imaging is planned.
Pacers Take Command
Following Lillard’s exit with Indiana leading 15-12, the Pacers launched a 10-3 run that extended the margin to double digits and never looked back. By halftime, Indiana led 63-52, and their dominance only grew, shooting a scorching 69.2% in the second half.
Andrew Nembhard contributed 20 points while Tyrese Haliburton recorded a double-double with 17 points and 15 assists. T.J. McConnell added 15 points off the bench, Aaron Nesmith scored 14, and Obi Toppin chipped in 13. Pascal Siakam and rookie Jarace Walker both provided 12 points each, highlighting Indiana’s depth and balance.
“We responded the right way today,” Haliburton said, noting the team’s disappointment after letting Game 3 slip away. “We kept our foot on the gas from the opening tip.”
Turner, who struggled with just six points in Game 3, set the tone early by scoring nine points within the first five minutes Sunday.
Bucks Reeling Without Lillard
Milwaukee’s hopes for a comeback were dealt a severe blow with Lillard’s injury. Bucks head coach Doc Rivers was candid about the impact on his team’s morale.
“I’ve seen injuries deflate teams, but tonight, that one hurt,” Rivers said. “Right now, my brain is the same place as our players — thinking about Dame.”
Giannis Antetokounmpo put forth a strong effort with 28 points, 15 rebounds, and six assists but got little help from his teammates. Kevin Porter Jr. scored 23 points, but the rest of Milwaukee’s starting lineup combined for just 15 points.
Kyle Kuzma continued his postseason struggles, managing only three points on 1-of-6 shooting. Antetokounmpo exited the game with just under five minutes left and the Bucks trailing by 22.
Milwaukee has now lost eight consecutive playoff road games, including five straight in Indianapolis, where they will try to stave off elimination Tuesday in Game 5.
Looking Ahead to Game 5
The Pacers, who eliminated the Bucks in last year’s playoffs, are poised to repeat the feat if they can deliver another strong performance at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
Indiana’s depth and shooting efficiency have been key, and with the Bucks potentially without Lillard, their task becomes even steeper.
“They’re going to do an image tomorrow,” Rivers said regarding Lillard’s condition. “Just being honest, it’s not very promising.”
If Lillard’s injury is as serious as feared, the Bucks face an uphill battle not just to survive the series, but to reimagine their future playoff hopes.
For now, the Pacers are clicking at the right time, and with one more win, they will punch their ticket to the second round.
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