The Milwaukee Bucks secured their first three-game winning streak of the season, defeating the Indiana Pacers 105-99 on Friday night. Kevin Porter Jr. led the Bucks with 23 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds, while Ryan Rollins added 22 points and Bobby Portis contributed 21 after returning from a two-game absence due to a bruised hip. The Bucks' strong performance was further bolstered by Jericho Sims' career-high 15 rebounds and Myles Turner's 10 rebounds against his former team.
However, the Pacers made a strong comeback in the fourth quarter, with a 15-0 run that brought them to within one possession. But Kevin Porter Jr. responded with a crucial driving layup, initiating a 7-0 run that ultimately sealed the Bucks' victory. The Bucks' dominance was evident in their rebounding and second-chance points, outrebounding the Pacers 48-37 and holding a 17-8 edge in second-chance points.
Despite the Bucks' success, their star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, missed his sixth consecutive game due to a right calf strain. The Bucks' record stands at 15-15 with Antetokounmpo and 6-14 without him this season. Additionally, the Bucks were without Kyle Kuzma due to calf soreness. On the other hand, the Pacers' newly acquired players, Ivica Zubac and Kobe Brown, did not play in the game, with Zubac's availability uncertain due to a lingering ankle issue.
Looking ahead, the Pacers will face the Toronto Raptors on Sunday, while the Bucks will travel to Orlando for a Monday night game. The Bucks' ability to maintain their winning streak without their star player and the Pacers' challenges with player availability will be intriguing factors to watch in the upcoming games.
