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Milwaukee travels to Indiana for conference showdown

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  Published in Travel and Leisure on Sunday, November 2nd 2025 at 5:12 GMT by Associated Press
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Bucks Surge Past Pacers as Kevin Porter Jr. Sees Off Tyrese Haliburton in a Hard‑Fought Victory

In a back‑to‑back contest that showcased two of the NBA’s most exciting young talents, the Milwaukee Bucks edged the Indiana Pacers 115‑108 on Tuesday night. The win was largely propelled by Kevin Porter Jr.’s dominant performance, which provided the Bucks with a much‑needed spark as they sought to secure a playoff berth. Meanwhile, the Pacers turned to their recent acquisition, forward Andrew Nembhard, and veteran guard Tyrese Haliburton to stay competitive in a game that proved as much a showcase as it was a rivalry.

Porter Jr. – who joined the Bucks in a blockbuster trade earlier this season – finished with 28 points, 6 rebounds, 5 assists, and 3 steals. The former LA Clippers guard found his rhythm in the fourth quarter, scoring 12 points in the final 10 minutes to overturn a 7‑point deficit. His performance was highlighted by a clutch three‑pointer in the closing seconds that secured the victory for Milwaukee.

“Kevin has been playing with the energy of a guy who’s eager to prove himself,” said Bucks head coach Mike Budenholzer in a post‑game interview. “His drive, his ability to step up when the pressure is on – that’s exactly what we needed tonight.”

For the Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton was the team’s best offensive voice, adding 22 points, 9 assists, and 4 rebounds. Haliburton’s playmaking was a reminder of his value to Indiana after his stellar rookie season, but the Pacers struggled to contain the Bucks’ defensive pressure. In addition, the team’s newly‑traded forward Andrew Nembhard had an impressive showing with 15 points, 10 rebounds, and a double‑double in his first game with the franchise. Nembhard’s inside presence helped the Pacers stay within striking distance during the second half, but it was insufficient to overcome the Bucks’ balanced attack.

Pacers general manager Mitch Mayne praised Nembhard’s contribution, noting that the player “has made an instant impact and is showing why we were willing to trade for him.” Mayne added that the front‑court's improved rebounding and interior defense could be a catalyst for the team’s next games.

Key Moments and Tactical Nuances

The game was a battle of momentum shifts. The Pacers started strong, outscoring Milwaukee 42‑36 in the first quarter and taking an early 15‑point lead into the second. However, the Bucks began to dominate the boards and hit a crucial run in the third quarter, closing the gap to 2 points. As the game progressed, the Pacers’ offensive efficiency dipped, particularly on contested shots and in the paint.

The Bucks’ defensive scheme, which focused on denying Porter Jr. from the perimeter and applying pressure on the ball, proved effective. Milwaukee’s frontcourt forced a turnover that led to an easy bucket for Porter Jr., who then drove to the rim for an explosive layup. The Bucks’ three‑point shooting also surged, with a 5‑of‑9 shooting night from beyond the arc, helping to keep the Pacers in the game.

On the offensive side, the Pacers leaned heavily on Haliburton’s ball‑handling and decision‑making. He made 11 of 15 field‑goal attempts, including 5 of 7 from beyond the arc, but his performance was not enough to offset Milwaukee’s depth and defensive intensity. Andrew Nembhard’s rebounding numbers, 10 boards in 32 minutes, were a bright spot for Indiana, as was his ability to create second‑chance points on the offensive end.

Broader Implications for Both Teams

Milwaukee’s victory keeps the Bucks in solid playoff contention, especially as the team continues to integrate new pieces like Porter Jr. The success also indicates that the Bucks’ strategic shift towards a more versatile guard lineup may pay dividends in the long term. With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Khris Middleton both showing consistent play, Milwaukee appears to be assembling a well‑rounded roster for the postseason.

For the Pacers, the win does not bring them close to the top of the Eastern Conference standings, but the performance of Haliburton and Nembhard provides a positive sign for a franchise that has struggled to find consistency. The Pacers’ coaching staff will likely emphasize the need to improve defensive rotations and limit turnovers as they aim for a stronger finish to the season.

Additional Resources

Readers interested in a deeper statistical breakdown can consult the official NBA game log for Milwaukee Bucks versus Indiana Pacers (https://www.nba.com/game/mil-vs-IND-0042400235). The Bucks’ official player page provides a season overview for Kevin Porter Jr., showcasing his career highs and recent trends (https://www.nba.com/player/1629024/kevin-porter-jr). Similarly, the Pacers’ website offers comprehensive stats for Tyrese Haliburton (https://www.nba.com/player/1629632/tyrese-haliburton) and Andrew Nembhard (https://www.nba.com/player/1629156/andrew-nembhard). For context on the Bucks’ playoff outlook and standings, the league’s playoff preview section offers an in‑depth look at the Eastern Conference (https://www.nba.com/standings).