The Milwaukee Bucks threw the first punch in their opening-round playoff series against Indiana Pacers, taking Game 1 109-94. But it’s not about who punches first; it’s about who can sustain the attack throughout the series.
While the Bucks may have won the first game, it’s crucial they don’t let this early success get to their heads. The real victory lies in winning the series, and to do that, they must maintain their underdog status. This mindset will keep them focused and hungry for more wins.
Indiana looked like it was the first playoff game for a large part of its roster. While it was passive and starstruck, Damian Lillard set the tone in the first half by scoring a whopping 35 points.
The Bucks’ victory was a collective effort, with each player playing their part to perfection. Brook Lopez, with his three blocks, was a defensive anchor. Khris Middleton stepped up in the second half, taking over the scoring when the Pacers focused on stopping Lillard. Patrick Beverley was a disruptive force on defense and a crucial link in the offense. The team’s performance was a testament to their unity and individual skills.
However, you only have your first one time. The Pacers will be better prepared for Game 2. Milwaukee must maintain their underdog mentality with the chance to go up 2-0. Teams that have taken a 2-0 lead in the first round of the NBA Playoffs are 183-13, a 93.4 percent win percentage.
The Bucks have shown up against great teams this season. According to Cleaning the Glass, they finished with a 16-13 record against teams with a top-ten net rating this season. That was the third-highest win percentage in the league. Their net rating was the second-best.
Conversely, they only went 20-9 against teams in the bottom 10 of net rating. According to Cleaning the Glass, their win percentage ranked 19th, while their point differential ranked 17th.
They can’t afford to rest on their laurels. They must stay hungry and maintain that underdog mindset they’ve had when they’ve thrived this season. We’ve seen them falter any time they get too comfortable.
Other Notes
- The other benefit, besides going up 2-0 in this series, is that it buys Giannis Antetokounmpo more time to recover. He’s listed as doubtful heading into Game 2, but the more time they can give him to get all the way back, the better for their long-term chances this season and next. The last thing they want to have happen is that he rushes his return and suffers a more serious injury as a result.
- Game 2 is the two-week mark from Antetokounmpo’s initial injury.
- Keep your eyes on the Khris Middleton-Pascal Siakam matchup. The two went at each other in Game 1, as Siakam scored a game-high 36 points on 15-25 shooting. Meanwhile, Middleton got hot in the second half and picked up the slack when Lillard was taken out of the game.
- The Pacers will likely mix up their coverages on Lillard. Don’t be surprised if they use Aaron Nesmith to guard Brook Lopez so they can switch those screens more effectively. Lopez has to punish them in the paint if that’s the case.