Siakam and Haliburton's double-doubles propel Pacers to 123-115 victory over Bucks, taking 2-0 series lead.

 INDIANAPOLIS — Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton once again formed the perfect duo for the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday night, leading their team to a 123-115 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks and a 2-0 series lead in the first round of the playoffs.

Siakam finished with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and a crucial 3-pointer to kick off Indiana’s game-clinching run, while Haliburton added 21 points and 12 assists in the win.

“He’s been a steady presence for us all year, so glad that he’s on our team,” Haliburton said of Siakam. “I think he could be the most underrated player in the NBA. What he does every night is incredible—so consistent and steady.”

The Bucks are learning that the hard way. Indiana has now won five of the last six playoff matchups against Milwaukee, and the Pacers have led wire to wire in both games of this series. Despite losing three of the four regular-season contests, the Pacers have not trailed since the opening minutes of Game 1.

The teams will meet again in Game 3 on Friday in Milwaukee, marking their 18th matchup over the last two seasons.

“It’s hard to play from behind,” said two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo, who finished with 34 points, 18 rebounds, and 7 assists. “We need to play with more urgency. Both games, both halves, they were able to set the tone and get the feel. We’ve got to start with more urgency.”

Bucks guard Damian Lillard, returning from deep vein thrombosis in his right calf, scored 14 points in his first game back since March 18. He struggled with his shooting, going 4-for-13 in 37 minutes, marking his first playoff game alongside Antetokounmpo, who missed last year's playoff series due to a calf injury.

Bobby Portis Jr. led Milwaukee’s offense with 28 points, including six 3-pointers, and 12 rebounds.

The game was full of drama and intensity, featuring a first-half scuffle in front of the Pacers' bench that led to double technical fouls, heated exchanges between players late in the game, and plenty of physicality throughout. The crowd, which included WNBA star Caitlin Clark, Super Bowl champion Reggie Wayne, 2022 Indianapolis 500 winner Marcus Ericsson, and former Pacers player Lance Stephenson, witnessed one of the most exciting playoff games of the year.

On the court, the Pacers took control early, building a 31-16 lead in the first 7 1/2 minutes. Despite a late 13-0 run by the Bucks that brought them within 115-103 with 2:31 remaining, Siakam hit a critical 3-pointer to ignite an 8-2 run that sealed the win for Indiana.