Rapid Recap: Bucks 118, Pacers 101

For those who thought the Indiana Pacers might be challenging the Milwaukee Bucks in the Eastern Conference, tonight was a strong early season statement by Coach Bud’s team as the Bucks walloped the Pacers, 118-101. Milwaukee’s offense picked up where the first half in Charlotte left off to start the night, racing past the Pacers to tally a 62-53 lead heading into halftime. Giannis was the racehorse in the first two periods, notching 22 points. An eight point advantage in the third paced the Bucks for a dominating second half, as they drowned the Pacers in points to secure the victory.

Giannis’ dominating first half gave way to a quieter second one, but he still finished with a slightly more efficient night on 12-23 shooting to have 26 points, 15 rebounds and 5 assists.

His posse managed an equally helpful night, as five other Bucks finished in double figures in addition to Giannis. Khris Middleton had 23, Malcolm Brogdon managed 15, Eric Bledsoe tallied 12 and John Henson, hitter of a 3-pointer tonight, got 10. Snell got to 10 too before the clock ran out.

For Indiana, Victor Oladipo was the bellcow as per usual, going for 25 points. Domantas Sabonis chipped in with 12 points and 13 boards of his own.

Stat That Stood Out

Milwaukee attempted 47 3-pointers of their own tonight, but I’d like to call attention to several individuals who helped juice that number. Middleton’s 9 attempts led the way, his five makes didn’t hurt either, but the more amazing number is Giannis’ 7 attempts, which matched his career high. Sure, making none of those isn’t ideal, but his willingness to shoot could go a long way this season if they start falling at even 32% or so.