The Milwaukee Bucks climbed back into their first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers with a commanding 117-101 win in Game 3 on Friday night, fueled by a defensive overhaul that head coach Doc Rivers emphasized postgame.
Speaking to reporters, Rivers credited the insertion of Gary Trent Jr. into the starting lineup as a major catalyst, praising his aggressive defense against Tyrese Haliburton and his offensive explosion with a franchise playoff record-tying nine three-pointers.
“We wanted somebody aggressive to attack Haliburton,” Rivers said, noting that Trent’s ball pressure was a difference-maker after Milwaukee had struggled to slow Indiana’s offense in the first two games.
Trailing by 10 points at halftime, the Bucks responded with a suffocating third-quarter effort that limited the Pacers to just 18 points, sparked by a renewed emphasis on ball movement and defensive physicality.
“I thought we lost our way of play in the second quarter,” Rivers explained, pointing out that when the Bucks shared the ball, it opened up easier scoring opportunities and overwhelmed Indiana’s defensive setups.
Giannis Antetokounmpo contributed 37 points, 12 rebounds, and six assists, but Rivers underlined that it was Antetokounmpo’s second-half playmaking that set the tone for Milwaukee’s comeback surge.
Damian Lillard, who finished with seven points and as many blocked shots as field goals made, drew praise from Rivers for his determination to compete despite struggling with rhythm after a recent injury layoff.
“You don’t just sit for as long as you sit and walk into an intense playoff game and have rhythm,” Rivers said, commending Lillard’s willingness to “throw himself into the fire” to support the team.
Jericho Sims also earned recognition from Rivers for his versatility on defense, with the coach calling him the team’s “Swiss Army knife” for his ability to guard multiple positions effectively.
Looking ahead, Rivers stressed that the Bucks must maintain the same level of intensity heading into Game 4, warning that Indiana is “not going away” despite Milwaukee narrowing the series deficit.
“If you guys know your math, you can figure that one out all on your own,” Rivers joked, referencing how close the series remains after three games.
With Trent’s hot shooting, Antetokounmpo’s all-around dominance, and a revitalized defensive scheme, Milwaukee will aim to even the series when the two teams meet again on Sunday.
