Pacers lead 2-0, but now the real test begins
By TYLER SMITH (@TylerSmith_ISL)
ISL Editor
INDIANAPOLIS — Damian Lillard returned to action for the first time since March 18th. Bobby Portis had a monster game with 28 points and 12 rebounds. Kyle Kuzma had an actual stat line. The Greek Freak had his typical numbers. And the Milwaukee Bucks still never led for a single second in Game 2 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The Indiana Pacers have taken a 2-0 series lead, and their quest to prove themselves once again is off to a good start. As this team knows, however, the work has only just begun.
Just last season, the Pacers were the team that went down 2-0 against the New York Knicks before returning home for Games 3 and 4, and we all know how that series ended up. This team cannot afford to relax or get too comfortable against a dangerous Milwaukee team. Protecting home court was the first step, but the biggest challenge now remains.
“We’ve done our job and protected home court, but that’s all we’ve done,” said Pacers Head Coach Rick Carlisle. “Now the scene shifts to Milwaukee. Game 3 on Friday is going to be one of the tougher environments you’re ever going to see.”
Tyrese Haliburton agreed: “It’s going to be hostile in Milwaukee. We’ve got to be prepared for that. Just have to stick with it, one game at a time. I think it’s just doing your job. Winning at home is just doing your job. We have a lot of faith in each other.”
Last season in the playoffs, the Pacers were 6-2 at home and just 2-7 on the road. Both of the road wins came at the perfect time, but it shows how difficult they can be to get. After starting 2-0 this year, it means the Pacers are now 8-0 in Indy in the first two rounds. Imagine the scene at the Fieldhouse next Tuesday if the Pacers are up 3-1 with a chance to end the series. At the very least, the Pacers have guaranteed the series will be tied (or better) if and when the scene shifts back to the 317.
As for Games 3 and 4, the Pacers should expect Milwaukee’s best punch. Narratives can change on a dime for fans and media alike in a playoff series. You will see how quickly opinions change if Milwaukee comes back to win Game 3 on Friday. The Pacers need to stay the course regardless of what happens. Even if they fall on Friday, a major opportunity will still await them on Sunday night.
“I don’t think it’s any secret: They don’t like us, we don’t like them,” said Haliburton. “It’s just competition at the end of the day. They want to win, and we want to win. The goal is to go to Milwaukee and take it one game at a time.”
The Pacers have only trailed for a minute and 41 seconds in the first two games of this series. The question becomes: how will this team respond when things get more difficult? Lillard will likely get a lot better as he continues to get his conditioning back. Whenever Antetokounmpo is in the building and suited up, that team is dangerous. And this Pacers team has been known to lay an egg in games that don’t have as much on the line as others. At the same time, this Pacers team won a Game 7 in the Garden last year and are mighty dangerous themselves.
Is it Friday yet?
