The Milwaukee Bucks are on fire! After a thrilling 105-99 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Friday night, they’ve secured their first three-game winning streak of the season—a feat that’s been harder to come by than you might think. But here’s where it gets controversial: Can the Bucks sustain this momentum without their star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, who’s been sidelined with a calf strain since January 23? Let’s dive into the details.
Kevin Porter Jr. stole the spotlight with an impressive 23 points, eight assists, and seven rebounds, proving he’s a force to be reckoned with. Ryan Rollins chipped in 22 points, and Bobby Portis returned from a two-game absence due to a bruised hip to add 21 points, showcasing the Bucks’ depth. For the Pacers, Andrew Nembhard led the charge with 22 points, and Pascal Siakam contributed 19, but it wasn’t enough to stop Milwaukee’s surge.
The game wasn’t without its nail-biting moments. Indiana staged a 15-0 run in the fourth quarter, narrowing the gap to 91-87 with just over four minutes left. And this is the part most people miss: Ben Sheppard’s missed 3-pointer could have shifted the game’s momentum entirely. Instead, Kevin Porter Jr. responded with a driving layup, sparking a 7-0 run that sealed the deal for the Bucks.
Rebounding was a key factor, with Milwaukee dominating the boards 48-37 and outscoring Indiana 17-8 in second-chance points. Jericho Sims had a career night with 15 rebounds, while Myles Turner added nine points and 10 rebounds against his former team. The Bucks’ victory improves their season record to 3-0 against the Pacers, a team that eliminated them from the playoffs in the past two seasons.
Here’s the bold question: Is this Bucks team proving they can thrive without Giannis, or are they simply capitalizing on a weakened Pacers lineup? With Antetokounmpo’s absence now at six games—and the Bucks sitting at 6-14 without him this season—it’s a debate worth having. Kyle Kuzma was also out with calf soreness, further testing Milwaukee’s depth.
For the Pacers, the night was bittersweet. Newly acquired Ivica Zubac and Kobe Brown didn’t play, with coach Rick Carlisle noting they might debut as early as Tuesday against the Knicks. However, Zubac’s lingering ankle issue could delay his return. But here’s the counterpoint: Even without these new additions, the Pacers nearly pulled off a comeback—a testament to their resilience or a sign of the Bucks’ vulnerability?
Looking ahead, the Pacers head to Toronto on Sunday, while the Bucks visit Orlando on Monday night. Will Milwaukee continue their winning streak, or will the absence of their superstar catch up to them? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—this is one conversation you won’t want to miss!
