Indiana Pacers Stumble in Game 5 Against Milwaukee Bucks: A Missed Opportunity
However, the game didn’t unfold as expected. Despite an early 10-point lead, the Pacers found themselves trailing by halftime. The Bucks extended their lead to over 20 points in the third quarter, and the Pacers couldn’t muster the necessary fight to get back into the game. Their first opportunity to secure the series victory slipped away.
Reflecting on the game, Pacers center Myles Turner acknowledged the missed opportunity but remained optimistic about the upcoming challenge. “I think that going back to Indiana will be a good setting for us,” he said.
The Pacers’ performance in the first quarter was not indicative of the rest of the game. After sinking seven three-pointers in the first quarter, they managed only five more for the remainder of the game. Their attempt rate from deep also fell, and they scored just 42 points in the paint, a lower number than usual for the team.
“We just got stagnant,” Pacers point guard Tyrese Haliburton said, describing his team’s offensive performance. “Stopped making shots, stopped playing our brand of basketball.”
The Pacers’ defensive struggles also impacted their offense. They conceded 115 points, their highest in regulation during the series so far. The Bucks’ defensive adjustments disrupted the Pacers’ flow, forcing them to think and play slower. They rarely got into their second or third actions throughout the night.
“They picked up their intensity,” Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle said of the Bucks. “Having them get to 115… our defense needed to be better.”
In the end, the Pacers had their worst offensive and defensive game of the series. They struggled from deep, couldn’t get into the paint, and had difficulty adjusting to the Bucks’ new defensive look. This combination led to their second defeat in the series.
“I think we settled,” Turner said of his team’s offense. “We kind of got away from ourselves.”
The Pacers still have two more chances to close out the series, but they need to find their identity again and adjust to the Bucks’ switch-heavy style. “I think, more than anything, you have to embrace what’s in front of you… I think we’re definitely looking forward to the challenge,” Turner said.
Game 6 is on Thursday night in Indianapolis. To secure a win and close out the series, the Pacers need to reignite their offense and play more like the Pacers we’ve come to know.