Bucks Zone

The Milwaukee Bucks get revenge on the Indiana Pacers, led by a career performance from Giannis Antetokounmpo

The Greek Freak goes off in Milwaukee’s first win over Indiana this season.
Matthew Dugandzic|
© Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

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Giannis Antetokounmpo put up a monstrous performance, and the Milwaukee Bucks finally won against the Indiana Pacers this season via a 140-126 triumph on Wednesday night at the Fiserv Forum.

Giannis finished with a career-high 64 points, going 20-for-28 from the field and 24-for-32 from the free throw line. Antetokounmpo's output is the most points a Milwaukee player has ever scored in a single game. The Greek Freak also added 14 rebounds, four steals, three assists, and a block.

Revenge has been served

Damian Lillard added 21 points, while Bobby Portis Jr. came off the bench to contribute 19 points as the Bucks finally beat the Pacers after losing in their first two meetings this season.

One of Milwaukee's defeats to Indiana came in the semifinal round of the NBA In-Season Tournament.

The Bucks built a 124-102 lead with only 5:22 left. They were ahead by 19 points, 131-112, when coach Adrian Griffin pulled out his starters and fielded in his second stringers. The ploy nearly spelled disaster for Milwaukee as the Pacers mounted a huge run and moved within 131-121 with still 2:05 to go.

Griffin sent back his starters, and the Bucks restored order as Antetokounmpo made a free throw and a layup, and Khris Middleton sank a three-pointer that gave Milwaukee a safe 137-122 lead with only 1:02 left.

Staying atop in the East

The win hiked Milwaukee's record to 17-7, just one game behind the Eastern Conference-leading Boston Celtics (17-5). It was also the Bucks' 11th-straight win at home, where they are now 12-2.

Myles Turner and Tyrese Haliburton scored 22 points each for Indiana, which fell to 13-9, good for fifth place in the East.

GAME DAY PREVIEW AND INJURY REPORT: The Milwaukee Bucks seek revenge vs. the Indiana Pacers

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Matthew Dugandzic
MATTHEW DUGANDZIC

Matthew finished his bachelor's degree in Economics (Management) at the University of Split and got his master's degree in the same field at the University of Zadar. Whether it is playing the game as an undersized 6'3'' power forward or simply watching it, Matthew can't get enough of it. After all, he has been an avid NBA fan since the 2000s. But don't get him wrong, as Matthew still loves the old-school NBA and is a true student of the game. From on-court moments to off-court stuff, whether it's about the stars of modern-day basketball or legends of the game, Matthew covers every category of the NBA world and basketball in general, as long as it makes for an engaging and exciting story.