Fans React to Pacers Dominating First Half Against Bucks

Pacers fans loved what they saw out of their team in the first half of Game 1.

Apr 19, 2025; Indianapolis, Indiana, USA; Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) celebrates a made basket in the first half against the Milwaukee Bucks at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Mandatory Credit: Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images | Trevor Ruszkowski-Imagn Images

The Indiana Pacers came into their first-round series against the Milwaukee Bucks with a lot of confidence. They dispatched the Bucks in six games in the first round last season, so they feel like they can do the same this year.

Milwaukee did not have Damian Lillard available for this game, so the Pacers knew that they needed to capitalize. In the first half, they certainly did just that.

The Pacers dominated the Bucks in the first half, jumping out to a massive halftime lead. Andrew Nembhard was the catalyst for it, scoring 15 early points.

Read more: Caitlin Clark Wears Pacers Hype Shirt During Game 1 vs Bucks

Pacers fans loved what they saw from their team in the first half. Tyrese Haliburton's passing and Giannis Antetokounmpo's missing free throws had fans excited.

Nembhard is such a great basketball player and gets better and better every year. What a steal for the Pacers to draft him in the second round.

— Brian Crypto (@BrianCrypto05) April 19, 2025

Pacers in 4

— Jay B ⚡️ (@TheRealDjJayB) April 19, 2025

Pacers fans are loving what they've seen from their team so far, even if Lillard is not playing in this game. They still believe that the Pacers are the better team, even when Lillard comes back.

With how well they were able to shoot the three and get steals, this could be a short series. The Bucks did not limit the transition opportunities that the Pacers had.

Fans loved the passing that the Pacers had, as the ball was flying around in the first half.

34!!-16 assisted pts for #pacers - remember they like to pass a lot the ball

— Dimitris Ioannou (@gavrojim007) April 19, 2025

Indiana knows that one good half is not going to mean that they are going to win the series. They have to play this way throughout in order to advance to the second round.

More Pacers news: Magic Johnson Shockingly Changes Pick in Pacers vs Bucks Playoff Showdown

Indiana was able to dominate the Bucks in the first half of playoff basketball this season. There is still a lot of basketball to be played, but Pacers fans have loved what they've seen so far.

Complete first half domination#YesCers

— Blake Flynn (@blakeflynn1518) April 19, 2025

If the Pacers play like this in the next game at home, the Bucks will not have any confidence that they can win the series, even with Lillard back on the court.

Leading 67-43 in the first half is exactly the kind of basketball that the Pacers want to play. Keeping this up will be the key to another deep playoff run.

More Indiana Pacers news: Pacers' Rick Carlisle Reveals How Giannis Antetokounmpo Has Gotten Better Without Damian Lillard

Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton Surpassed LeBron James to Make NBA History

For more news and notes on the Indiana Pacers, visit Indiana Pacers on SI.