Giannis Antetokounmpo and Gary Trent Jr. each scored 37 points to power the Milwaukee Bucks past the Indiana Pacers, 117-101, in Game 3 of their first-round playoff series on Friday night.
Trent tied a franchise playoff record by knocking down nine 3-pointers, matching Ray Allen’s mark while helping Milwaukee cut Indiana’s series lead to 2-1.
After trailing 57-47 at halftime, the Bucks surged back as Trent hit three quick triples to even the score at 62 early in the third quarter.
Antetokounmpo’s three-point play pushed Milwaukee ahead 72-69, and by the end of the third, the Bucks had built an 86-75 advantage.
The fourth quarter saw the margin grow to 20 points, fueled by a red-hot second half where Milwaukee shot 11-of-18 from beyond the arc.
Antetokounmpo also pulled down 12 rebounds and dished out six assists, leading the Bucks’ dominant effort inside the paint.
Trent’s production was not limited to scoring, as he was tasked with guarding Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, who was held to 14 points and 10 assists on 5-of-11 shooting.
Milwaukee received additional contributions from A.J. Green, who added 12 points off the bench, while Bobby Portis chipped in 10 points and eight rebounds.
The Pacers were led by Pascal Siakam, who scored 28 points on 12-of-19 shooting, and Aaron Nesmith, who finished with 18 points.
Indiana struggled offensively in the second half, managing only 44 points after scoring 57 through the first two quarters.
Damian Lillard endured a rough night, scoring just seven points on 2-of-12 shooting, including 1-of-8 from long range.
Despite Lillard’s struggles, Milwaukee’s improved 3-point shooting after halftime and strong defensive rotations shifted momentum.
Milwaukee will look to even the series at 2-2 when it hosts Game 4 on Sunday.
