Rapid Recap: Bucks 117, Pacers 98

In the Bucks’ first game back at Fiserv Forum in what has seemed like ages, Milwaukee knocked off the visiting Indiana Pacers, 117-98.

It was somewhat of a rollercoaster the first half, with the Bucks accelerating, only to let the foot off the gas pedal. Whatever lead they gained under their belt, the Pacers would quickly mitigate. At halftime, Milwaukee clung to a 54-50 lead.

A momentous third quarter would swing the pendulum back in Milwaukee’s favor and provided a lead they would not relent.

For the hometown team, Giannis Antetokounmpo would boast the game-high, wrapping his night up with 29 points. Khris Middleton would cap off his evening with 27 points, a welcoming sign after his underwhelming performance out in the desert.

Stat That Stood Out

Let’s go with the moment this one turned around. Midway through the third quarter, Giannis was called for a technical following an egregious no-call. This would spark the tinder to the Bucks’ energy. It’d fuel Milwaukee to a 13 unanswered points and a 17-7 run to close out the quarter. It can be a bit of a sports cliche to say that a team fed off a certain player’s energy, but tonight, that’s exactly what seemed to happen with the Bucks and Giannis. On the ensuing possession following the technical, Antetokounmpo would haul in the ball down low and cram it home, unleashing a vicious scream and mean mug towards Zach Zarba. From there, it was done and dusted.

Editor’s note: This game also featured a feat of incredible geographical knowledge from Sterling Brown that cannot be ignored.

Y’all got questions? Gabe gets you answers.