Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered another dominant performance, recording 37 points, 11 assists, and 10 rebounds to lead the Milwaukee Bucks to a 129-117 victory over the Indiana Pacers in an NBA Cup matchup Friday night.
This marks Antetokounmpo’s second triple-double in four games, solidifying his role as the engine driving Milwaukee’s recent surge.
The Bucks, who improved to 2-0 in NBA Cup East Group B play, were in control from the opening tip, never trailing in the contest. Alongside Antetokounmpo, Damian Lillard provided steady support with 24 points and 12 assists, while Gary Trent Jr. chipped in a season-high 18 points off the bench. Bobby Portis added 17 points, rounding out a balanced attack for a Bucks team that has now won three straight and five of their last six games.
Indiana, the reigning runner-up in the NBA Cup tournament, fell to 0-2 in Group B play and is struggling to find the consistency that powered their run to last season’s Eastern Conference Finals. Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 25 points, Bennedict Mathurin contributed 20, and Tyrese Haliburton added 18 points and nine assists, but it wasn’t enough to overcome Milwaukee’s firepower.
The Pacers, who had won eight of their last 11 meetings with the Bucks, including a playoff series victory last season, faced a motivated Milwaukee squad. Bucks head coach Doc Rivers noted before the game that this matchup carried extra weight for his team. That determination was evident on the court, as Milwaukee played with focus and intensity throughout.
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One of the key moments came in the fourth quarter when Indiana made a late push. Trailing by 20 with under 10 minutes to play, the Pacers trimmed the deficit to just six, cutting it to 108-102 with 5:52 left. However, Antetokounmpo quickly shifted momentum, assisting Gary Trent Jr. on a clutch 3-pointer and following it up with a highlight-reel sequence. He blocked a shot from Mathurin, initiating a fast break that ended with a thunderous dunk, effectively sealing the game.
Milwaukee’s sharp shooting from beyond the arc was a major factor in their win. The Bucks connected on 17 of 36 3-point attempts (47.2%), keeping Indiana’s defense stretched and opening up opportunities in the paint. Trent Jr.’s hot hand was particularly notable, as his timely shots provided critical relief when the Pacers tried to rally.
Indiana’s struggles were apparent on both ends of the floor. Their defensive lapses allowed Milwaukee to control the tempo, while their offensive execution faltered during critical stretches. Despite strong efforts from Siakam and Mathurin, the Pacers’ inability to close the gap highlighted their ongoing issues early in the season.
For Milwaukee, this victory not only avenges last season’s playoff exit at the hands of the Pacers but also underscores their potential to dominate in NBA Cup play. Antetokounmpo’s all-around brilliance, combined with Lillard’s steady hand as a floor general, is proving to be a formidable combination.
The win also marks a significant milestone for the Bucks, who are starting to gel as a cohesive unit under Rivers’ leadership. Their ability to close out games with clutch plays and strong defensive sequences bodes well as they continue their push for success in both the NBA Cup and the regular season.
Up next, the Pacers will look to regroup as they host the Washington Wizards on Sunday, aiming to snap their three-game skid. Meanwhile, the Bucks will welcome the Charlotte Hornets to Milwaukee on Saturday, seeking to extend their winning streak and build on their early-season momentum.
Friday night’s performance reinforced Milwaukee’s standing as a top contender in the league, with Antetokounmpo setting the tone for a team determined to make a deep run this season. Indiana, on the other hand, faces critical adjustments as they try to recapture the magic of last year’s playoff success.
