The Indiana Pacers secured a dominant 129-103 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Sunday night, but the win was overshadowed by a concerning injury to Damian Lillard.
Lillard, who had been a key figure in Milwaukee’s offense, suffered a non-contact injury to his lower left leg early in the first quarter and did not return. Initial reports suggest a potential Achilles tendon issue, though the Bucks have yet to confirm the full extent of the injury.
Speaking after the game, Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle described the situation as “tragic,” offering his respect for Lillard’s career and his time in the Western Conference. “It’s just very solemn news. Thoughts and prayers to him,” Carlisle said. “We’ll have to wait for further updates, but it’s a tough situation for Milwaukee.”
The Pacers quickly capitalized on Lillard’s absence, using a 10-3 run to push their slim 15-12 lead into double digits. By halftime, Indiana had built a commanding 63-52 advantage. The Pacers shot an impressive 60.2% from the field, with eight players finishing in double figures. Andrew Nembhard led the way with 20 points, while Tyrese Haliburton contributed 17 points and 15 assists. Myles Turner also had a standout performance, scoring 23 points and setting the tone early for the Pacers.
Carlisle praised his team’s focus and execution, particularly the ball movement and defensive intensity that were key factors in the win. “We played with better attention to detail tonight,” he said. “There were tough stretches, but we stayed true to our brand of basketball.”
T.J. McConnell’s bench performance also played a pivotal role, with the veteran guard contributing 15 points. Carlisle noted that the second unit’s ability to maintain the lead during critical moments was crucial in staving off any Bucks’ runs.
Defensively, the Pacers faced a tall task in trying to contain Giannis Antetokounmpo. Despite the reigning MVP’s 28-point, 15-rebound effort, Indiana limited his impact in the first half, holding him to just 3-of-10 shooting. “Giannis is impossible to guard straight up,” Carlisle admitted. “We had to make everything difficult for him, and the team did a good job of that early on.”
The Pacers’ defense stood strong throughout, even as the Bucks made a brief push in the third quarter, cutting the lead to nine points. A strong defensive sequence, including a crucial block by Aaron Nesmith, helped Indiana weather the storm. Carlisle was quick to highlight Nesmith’s contributions, calling him a “hero” in tonight’s game. Nesmith finished with a plus-26 rating in 25 minutes of play, showcasing his all-around impact.
As the Pacers look ahead to Game 5, Carlisle stressed the importance of staying focused and capitalizing on the momentum. “We’ve got to be ready for Tuesday’s game. It’s a quick turnaround, and we need our fans to be louder than ever at Gainbridge,” he said.
Milwaukee, now facing elimination, will need to regroup and address Lillard’s injury as they prepare for the next contest. The series is poised to head back to Indiana on Tuesday, where the Pacers will attempt to advance to the next round.
