Giannis Antetokounmpo recorded a 37-point triple-double as the Milwaukee Bucks (7-9) defeated the Indiana Pacers (6-10) 129-117 in NBA Cup action Friday night. The Bucks maintained control throughout the game and never trailed.
Antetokounmpo contributed 11 assists and 10 rebounds to secure his second triple-double in four games, solidifying Milwaukee’s dominance in East Group B.
Damian Lillard supported with 24 points and 12 assists, while Gary Trent Jr. added 18 points, including six three-pointers.
Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 25 points, while Bennedict Mathurin and Tyrese Haliburton chipped in 20 and 18 points, respectively. Haliburton also distributed nine assists.
The Bucks were efficient from beyond the arc, hitting 17 of 36 three-point attempts. Bobby Portis contributed 17 points off the bench, and Brook Lopez added 11.
For Indiana, Jarace Walker provided energy with six points and six rebounds off the bench. Myles Turner scored 15 points but struggled defensively against Milwaukee’s interior presence.
Milwaukee’s victory improved their NBA Cup record to 2-0, marking their third straight win overall and fifth in six games. The Pacers, now 0-2 in the tournament, have lost three consecutive games and five of their last six.
Milwaukee shot 53.3% from the field and displayed a balanced offensive attack, with contributions from multiple players.
Indiana’s offensive struggles continued, as they managed only 32.4% shooting from three-point range. Despite a late push, the Pacers’ inability to contain Milwaukee’s stars sealed their fate.
