Antetokounmpo scores 41 factors, Bucks beat Pacers 141-131
INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo had 41 factors, 12 rebounds and 6 assists and the Milwaukee Bucks fended off Indiana’s second-half rally to beat the Pacers 141-131 on Friday evening.
Jrue Vacation added 23 factors and 9 assists for Milwaukee. The Central Division-leading Bucks received their third straight, this one coming in entrance of a surprisingly pleasant highway crowd.
Myles Turner led the struggling Pacers with 24 factors. Buddy Hield added 22 as Indiana misplaced for the ninth time in 10 video games — after practically overcoming a 33-point first-half deficit.
The Pacers have received an NBA-leading 11 instances after trailing by double digits this season — twice after trailing by 20 or extra factors. However this time, the Pacers could not fairly dig themselves out of the deep, early gap solely getting as shut as seven within the waning minutes.
Milwaukee perceived to run away rapidly when its ninth 3 of the sport helped cap a 15-3 run to shut the primary quarter with a 45-30 lead. The cost continued by means of the second quarter because the margin expanded to 43 at 85-42 within the closing minute of the half.
However Indiana lastly answered within the third quarter, trimming it to 114-99 after which methodically bought nearer within the fourth whereas repeatedly sending Antetounkoumpo to the free-throw line. They took benefit of his misses by attending to 131-124 with 3:27 to play however could not get any nearer.
TIP-INS
Bucks: The 85 first-half factors have been a season excessive. … Antetokounmpo was enjoying his third straight recreation since lacking 5 video games with an injured proper knee. … Khris Middleton had 17 factors regardless of being on a minutes restriction.
Pacers: Indiana misplaced its tenth straight within the collection and its fourth straight to the Bucks in Indy. … The Pacers have been outrebounded 50-38. … Hield made 5 3s to interrupt a tie with Jason Richardson (1,608) for No. 31 on the NBA’s profession checklist. Hield now has 196 this season and 1,613 in his profession. … Rookie Bennedict Mathurin had 21 factors and eight rebounds. T.J. McConnell had 19 factors and 9 assists.
THE CAPTAIN
In the future after Antetokounmpo was chosen to his seventh All-Star Recreation and once more chosen as captain of the Japanese Convention squad, Pacers coach Rick Carlisle made it clear how a lot he thinks of the one-time NBA champion and two-time league MVP.
“He is as tough a man to protect as there’s,” mentioned Carlisle, winner of 885 profession video games and the 2010 championship. “Giannis could be very distinctive, and I do not suppose there’ll ever be a participant fairly like him on this league, possibly ever. He is a beast, simply an absolute beast.”
HALIBURTON UPDATE
Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton missed his ninth consecutive recreation since spraining his left elbow and left knee. When he initially bought damage in opposition to the New York Knicks on Jan. 11, group officers mentioned he could be re-evaluated in two weeks. Apparently, that timeline has been revised.
“I believe possibly early subsequent week,” Carlisle mentioned when requested for an replace. “However he is doing nicely, doing nicely.”
UP NEXT
Bucks: Host New Orleans on Sunday.
Pacers: At Memphis on Sunday.
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