Pacers Defeat Bucks 117-98 in NBA Playoff Opener

The Indiana Pacers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 117-98 in Game 1 of their NBA playoff first-round series, taking an early 1-0 lead. Pascal Siakam led a balanced Pacers attack with 25 points, while Myles Turner contributed 19 points and four blocks, and Tyrese Haliburton recorded a double-double with 10 points and 12 assists. Indiana dominated in fast breaks, shot over 50% from the field, and had six players score in double figures, capitalizing on the absence of Milwaukee's Damian Lillard, who is sidelined with a blood clot but could return later in the series. Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 36 points and grabbed 12 rebounds for Milwaukee but received little support from his teammates, and the Bucks struggled both offensively and defensively. The energetic home crowd, donning gold T-shirts, played a role in disrupting Milwaukee, particularly at the free-throw line. Pacers coach Rick Carlisle cautioned that future games will be tougher, as anticipation builds for Lillard's potential return and the Bucks seek to recover.