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MILWAUKEE – Following their Game 3 defeat to the Milwaukee Bucks, the Indiana Pacers found themselves in a reflective mood. Reserve center Thomas Bryant sat silently at his locker, contemplating the series, which was then tilted 2-1 in favor of the Bucks.
Despite the setback, Bryant lifted his head and expressed a personal resolve: “We’re leaving here with something.”
With only one day to regroup before Game 4, the Pacers faced significant challenges, particularly after a disappointing second half in which they lost by 16 points. However, late Sunday night, after intensive film review and practice sessions, Indiana surged past Milwaukee by 26 points, seizing a 3-1 series lead and inching closer to the next round. Bryant’s words rang true; they left Milwaukee with a crucial victory.
“We identified what disrupted our offensive and defensive flow, and we adjusted accordingly,” Bryant noted, emphasizing the team’s focus on coming out strong after halftime, which they achieved during Game 4.
Improvements Displayed by the Pacers in Game 4
For the Indiana Pacers, Game 4 was a concerted effort to rectify past errors. Their performance in Game 3 was riddled with mistakes, characterized by an over-reliance on isolation plays—something the team has typically avoided. This stagnation led several players to describe their offensive struggles in Game 3 as alarming, particularly for a squad seeking to establish a fast-paced, ball-sharing identity.
In a refreshing turn, the Pacers recaptured their rhythm in Game 4, leading to a total of 36 assists—the third-highest in franchise playoff history. They shot over 60% from the field, a clear indication of their improved offensive flow, largely attributed to enhanced ball and player movement.
Role players seized their opportunities as Andrew Nembhard (20 points), Aaron Nesmith (14), Jarace Walker (12), T.J. McConnell (15), and Obi Toppin (13) all contributed significantly, with each player shooting above 50% from the field. While some might view this as an exceptional night, others recognize the quality of shot attempts indicating a cohesive offensive effort.
“Our ball movement was effective,” remarked Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton, who contributed 15 assists. “We came out in the third quarter with the right energy and attitude, which led us to victory.”
Defensively, the Pacers made noteworthy strides as well. Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks’ standout player, was held to just eight points by halftime, largely due to the aggressive defense of Pacers All-Star forward Pascal Siakam. The team’s defensive schemes executed in this game marked a significant improvement compared to previous outings.
Bucks player Gary Trent Jr., who previously scored 37 points in Game 3, was limited to just six points in Game 4. The Pacers effectively adjusted to his movements beyond the arc and maintained solid defensive connections despite occasional lapses from others like Kevin Porter Jr. and Bobby Portis. Milwaukee managed only 103 points, their second-lowest tally in the series, and struggled with a shooting percentage of 41.6%, their worst showing to date in the playoff series.
“The team functioned much better,” observed Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle. “We were more focused tonight.”
Within just two days, the Pacers transformed their outlook from despair to dominance, showcasing their potential over a complete 48 minutes of play. With a 3-1 series lead, they are now one victory away from advancing to the second round against the Cleveland Cavaliers. Indeed, as Bryant accurately stated, they left Milwaukee with a pivotal win.
The standout performance was delivered by Myles Turner, the starting center and crucial player in the series. After a disappointing outing in Game 3, he rebounded spectacularly in Game 4, displaying the versatility that sets him apart as a unique talent in the NBA. His scoring included mid-range jumpers and long-range three-pointers. Additionally, he showcased excellent passing and decisive movement during pivotal moments, enhancing the Pacers’ offensive efficacy.
Defensive contributions were equally impressive, with Turner recording four blocks and successfully defending against Antetokounmpo at the rim. His defensive prowess constrained both Brook Lopez and Antetokounmpo to a combined shooting record of 4-for-10 with him as the closest defender.
Turner’s dual impact on both ends of the floor did not go unnoticed. “He was vital to our success tonight,” said Haliburton, noting how Turner’s early scoring set the tone for the game.
In terms of the pivotal plays, Turner started strong, scoring nine of the Pacers’ first 13 points, propelling Indiana into an early lead that kept Milwaukee on their toes defensively. Noteworthy was a highlight dunk from Turner just 20 seconds into the third quarter, which energized the team and the crowd alike. This momentum facilitated a game-high 38 points in the third quarter, further extending their lead.
Turner concluded the game with a commendable 23 points on 9-of-13 shooting, alongside three assists and five rebounds, while contributing to a +12 differential during his time on the court. His leadership was essential in regaining control of the series.
Reflecting on the turnaround, Turner stated, “I was assertive offensively, choosing my moments wisely. Some nights, the shots just fall, unlike others. The change was remarkable.”
Having faced a challenging low point just two nights prior, the Pacers are now poised for advancement. With one more strong performance needed, they will aim to secure their progression into the second round on Tuesday night in Indianapolis.
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