Myles Turner scored 23 factors and the Indiana Pacers received 129-103 on Sunday evening to seize a commanding 3-1 lead of their Japanese Convention playoff collection with the Milwaukee Bucks, who misplaced Damian Lillard to a decrease left leg harm.
The Pacers can remove Milwaukee within the first spherical for a second straight 12 months by profitable Recreation 5 on Tuesday in Indianapolis. The Bucks have misplaced eight straight street playoff video games and the final 5 of these defeats have come at Indiana.
Milwaukee might need to strive ending that streak with out Lillard.
The seven-time all-NBA guard was helped off the court docket and into the locker room after struggling a non-contact harm halfway by means of the primary quarter.
“Simply being sincere, it isn’t very promising,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers mentioned after the sport.
The preliminary examination of Lillard indicated a potential Achilles tendon harm, an individual with information of the scenario advised The Related Press. Additional analysis will happen Monday, the particular person advised the AP on situation of anonymity as a result of the workforce did not instantly reveal these particulars.
The Pacers led 15-12 on the time of Lillard’s departure and seized management with out him. Indiana shot 60.2% from the ground, and eight Pacers scored in double figures.
Aaron Nembhard had 20 factors and Tyrese Haliburton had 17 factors and 15 assists. T.J. McConnell had 15 factors, Aaron Nesmith 14 and Obi Toppin 13. Pascal Siakam and Jarace Walker added 12 factors every.
Milwaukee’s Giannis Antetokounmpo had 28 factors, 15 rebounds and 6 assists earlier than leaving with 4:44 left and the Bucks trailing 120-98. Kevin Porter Jr. added 23 factors for the Bucks.
Antetokounmpo was the one Bucks starter to attain over six factors. Kyle Kuzma continued his powerful collection by scoring three factors and taking pictures 1-of-6.
Two nights after blowing a 10-point halftime lead in a 117-101 loss at Milwaukee, the Pacers bounced again. They received convincingly regardless of lacking Bennedict Mathurin, who was out with an stomach bruise.
Turner, who had scored six factors whereas taking pictures 1-of-9 from the ground in Recreation 3, had 9 factors within the first four-and-a-half minutes Sunday because the Pacers by no means trailed.
The Pacers went on a 10-3 run instantly after Lillard’s exit to increase their result in double digits. Milwaukee could not get the margin beneath 5 factors the remainder of the primary half and trailed 63-52 on the break.
Indiana stayed in management the remainder of the best way by taking pictures 69.2% within the second half.
This matchup between two acquainted foes continued the chippiness that has been evident all through this collection.
A double technical was referred to as on Porter and Nesmith within the second quarter. Milwaukee’s Bobby Portis acquired a taunting foul within the third interval after standing over Nesmith and making an attempt to seize the ball from the Pacers ahead, who had taken a spill on a drive to the basket. Walker and Milwaukee’s Ryan Rollins acquired a double technical within the third interval.
Reporting by The Related Press.
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