The Indiana Pacers picked up a huge win in Game 2 of their first-round series in the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Milwaukee Bucks. After looking overwhelmed in Game 1 and getting blown out, Indiana was able to settle in and play their style of basketball in Game 2.
It resulted in a dominant 125-108 victory, as they are heading back home with the series tied at one game apiece. The Pacers accomplished their job in the early going, as getting a split on the road is priority No. 1 for the teams that don’t have homecourt advantage.
Leading the way for the Pacers in the first two games of the 2024 NBA Playoffs has been Pascal Siakam. Siakam was acquired ahead of the deadline from the Toronto Raptors and is the most experienced player on the roster when it comes to postseason play.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Wilt Chamberlain, Indiana Pacers Updates
The bright lights haven’t phased him one bit, as he is taking the young Pacers under his wing and leading the way. In Game 1, he scored 36 out of their 94 points to go along with 13 rebounds, two assists, one steal and two blocks.
It was much of the game in Game 2 for Siakam, as the Bucks do not have an answer for him currently. He poured in 37 points, grabbing 11 rebounds and handing out six assists. In the process, he accomplished something that hasn’t been done in a long time in the NBA.
According to OptaSTATS, Siakam is the first player since 1967 to record back-to-back 35-point/10-rebound games to start an NBA Postseason. The last player to do so six decades ago was Wilt Chamberlain.
Accomplishing anything that Chamberlain did on an NBA court is quite an impressive feat. Siakam has been the best player on the court through two games, taking full advantage of the Bucks not having Giannis Antetokounmpo in the lineup.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Pascal Siakam, Wilt Chamberlain, Indiana Pacers Updates
Without Antetokounmpo, Milwaukee is lacking a defensive matchup for Siakam. Whoever Doc Rivers has called upon to try has failed as he is getting the job done from every level of the offense.
It will be interesting to see what kind of adjustments are made when the series flips to Indiana for Games 3 and 4. Continued dominance by Siakam will put the Pacers in an excellent position to advance to the second round of the 2024 NBA Playoffs.
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