Porter, Rollins Guide Bucks Past Pacers 111-94

Porter, Rollins Guide Bucks Past Pacers 111-94

1. The Backcourt Surge: A New Identity

With Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined for his seventh consecutive game, the Bucks turned to their young guards to lead the offense. Kevin Porter Jr. was the engine, finishing with a team-high 24 points, 6 rebounds, and 5 assists. His ability to penetrate the paint and find his rhythm early allowed Milwaukee to establish an aggressive tempo.

Sharing the spotlight was Ryan Rollins, who continued his breakout 2025 campaign. Rollins scorched the nets for 23 points on 10-of-15 shooting, adding 7 rebounds and 4 assists. His mid-range consistency proved vital whenever Indiana attempted to mount a comeback.

2. Myles Turner’s Hostile Return

In his first game back in Indianapolis since being traded to the Bucks, Myles Turner faced a cascade of boos every time he touched the basketball. While he struggled from the floor (1-of-8 from three), Turner made his presence felt on the defensive end with 3 blocked shots and 6 rebounds.

Supporting the defensive effort was Bobby Portis, who recorded 14 points and a team-high 9 rebounds, and Kyle Kuzma, who added 15 points, including a third-quarter dunk that extended Milwaukee’s lead to 21.

3. Pacers’ Historical Struggles Continue

For the Indiana Pacers, the loss marked their sixth straight defeat and another frustrating chapter for head coach Rick Carlisle. Carlisle remains just one victory shy of 1,000 career wins, but the milestone was denied once again as his squad struggled to find their offensive footing.

• TJ McConnell: Led Indiana with 16 points off the bench after returning from knee soreness.

• Pascal Siakam: Chipped in 15 points and 9 rebounds but struggled to overcome Milwaukee’s interior length.

• The Injury Bug: Indiana was without Isaiah Jackson, who entered concussion protocol following a play in Monday’s game against Boston.

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Game Summary

Team	1st	2nd	3rd	4th	Total
Milwaukee Bucks	26	33	27	25	111
Indiana Pacers	20	24	24	26	94

Key Takeaways

• Efficiency: Milwaukee shot 51% from the field compared to Indiana’s 41%.

• Rebounding: The Bucks dominated the glass early, heading into halftime with a 28–20 rebounding advantage.

• Depth: With the “Big Three” era in flux, the emergence of Rollins and Porter Jr. provides a glimmer of hope for Milwaukee’s postseason aspirations.