On April 29, in the NBA playoffs Eastern Conference matchup, the Bucks lost 113-126 to the Pacers on the road, and the series fell behind 1-3, and the situation was precarious. In this game, the two core players of the Bucks, Antetokounmpo and Lillard, were absent due to injury, which greatly reduced the team's combat effectiveness.
Bucks head coach, Rivers
Antetokounmpo missed a number of games since the end of the regular season with a soleus muscle strain in his left calf, and he has yet to make a playoff appearance this season. Lillard, on the other hand, was injured in Game 3 of the series, and he insisted on playing the game with the injury, but was diagnosed with an Achilles tendon strain after the game and was unable to continue playing. The absence of the two main players has seriously affected the Bucks' offense and defense.
The injuries of the two were negotiated
At the beginning of the game, although the Bucks launched a 10-2 attack wave without a main player to take the lead, the Pacers quickly rained three-pointers and turned the situation around. In the second quarter, the Pacers adjusted in position, resisting the Bucks' offense and sending the opponent an 11-3 attack wave. At halftime, the Pacers led by three points.
Turner
In the second half, the Pacers stepped up their offense and soon extended the score to double digits. Although the Bucks fought back with all their might, they were never able to catch up with the score. With the Pacers' Siakam and others attacking in turn, the Bucks had no power to fight back, and finally had no choice but to lose the key to this battle.
It is worth mentioning that the Bucks also suffered other attritions in this game. In the first quarter, forward Portis was ejected due to a clash. At the start of the second half, Middleton returned to the dressing room with an injury, but fortunately the injury was not serious, and he returned to the court and continued to play.
The Pacers have had a great season, leading the league in points per game and shooting percentage per game. Haliburton, the team's core, averaged 24.7 points and 12.7 assists per game, leading the team to a series of victories. Although the Bucks are ranked second, they obviously can't compete with the Pacers after missing the two cores of Brother Alphabet and Lillard.
Haliburton
At the moment, the Bucks are already in danger of being out of the tournament, and they need to adjust their form as soon as possible in the next games to regain their fighting power. The injuries to Antetokounmpo and Lillard have also touched the hearts of countless fans, and their comeback time is uncertain, but the team and fans are looking forward to their recovery and return to the game as soon as possible.
The loss in this game is undoubtedly a heavy blow for the Bucks, but they still need to brace themselves and prepare for the next game. After all, in the NBA, you can only win if you stick to the end.
#NBA吐槽大会##NBA##雄鹿#