The Bucks outscored the Pacers 115-92 and trailed 2-3 overall. In the incredible game, the Bucks had already been sentenced to death before the game when the letter was unavailable and Lillard was also injured. But to beat the Pacers like this today, the Bucks are really incredible. Perhaps we can say that it is the attribute of Old Rivers. This guy is the coach who has been the most miraculous by opponents in NBA history, and with a 3-1 lead, as long as the team is Rivers Sr., there is a high probability that it will be reversed.
For example, in the Magic, but also in the Clippers, two reversals, one for the Rockets, one for the Nuggets. If there's anyone who has had the most 3-1 leads in NBA history, it's Rivers Sr. who is the godfather level, and he's full of experience in this area. But then again, if it's just a civilian lineup, then Rivers Sr.'s coaching ability is also at the top level. What does that mean? You give the old Rivers Big Three lineup, any coach is a solid championship, and he comes to lead it but it is difficult or even a second round level, like the year he won the championship with the Celtics.
That was also the first time that Rivers Sr. led the team to win the championship, but if it was given to a civilian team, the average coach would not be able to bring it into the playoffs, but Rivers Sr. could bring a good voice, and even win 2 games with the Universe Warriors. For example, in '19, Rivers Sr. led Beverly, Lowe, Harrell and other civilian Clippers into the playoffs to complete a miracle. In the first round, there was no suspense against the Warriors, but Rivers Sr. led the team to win 2 games. The two teams also played a 4-2 Rockets in the semifinals, and the Warriors even swept the Trail Blazers 4-0 in the Western Conference finals.
In other words, the Clippers and the Rockets were in the same gear that year, and the sustenance of the Western Conference Finals was to complete. That year, Rivers Sr. pulled the coaching ability to the top, which means that Rivers Sr. can only score 85 points forever. You give him a 100-point lineup and he can score 85 points, and if you give him a 60-point or even a 50-point lineup, he can bring in 85 points. A 3-1 match against Rivers Sr. is a death sentence, and a 3-1 deficit against Rivers may not be a death sentence, but a miracle is about to be born. Today's game speaks for itself, the Bucks are too fierce. The Pacers still led by eight points at 31-23 in the first quarter.
But then, Portis and Middleton put on an incredible performance in the second quarter as the Bucks went 16-2 ahead of the Pacers. They led by five points at halftime at 53-48. In the second half, the Bucks came up to open a 9-0 run, and although Turner and Haliburton responded, the Bucks' offensive was unstoppable. Portis, Beasley, and Beverley combined offense and defense, and the Bucks had a 20-point lead in the third quarter. With the attack of Beasley and Da Lopez in the final quarter, the margin came to a terrifying 25 points.
On the Pacers' side of the game, Turner scored 12 points, Haliburton had 16 points and 6 assists, and Turner had 13 points. For the Bucks, Portis had 29 points and 10 boards, Middleton had 29 points and 12 boards, Lopez had 12 points, Beasley had 18 points, and Beverley had 13 points and 12 assists, with a plus/minus of +36. When Rivers Sr. had Beverley under him, it did work wonders sometimes. Looking at Beverley's performance, maybe Philadelphia will miss him a little. Because after Beverley left, the team now has no one to fill his void.
Originally, Beverley joined Philadelphia for Harden, but he was sent away. If Hield were to be replaced by Beverley, perhaps Philadelphia would not be 2-3 down. Beverley's scramble for rebounds and his tough style of play can compete with Knicks Hart. Beverley's bloodiness can also inspire Embiid and make him tougher. Now Beverly has become a leader in the face of adversity. And the old Rivers' cards are not useless if they just play the Pacers. Beverley and Beasley are in the backcourt, one defense and one offense, the third position Middleton, and the inside Portis and Da Luo are not so vulnerable, and they have to play again in this round.