- Gary Trent Jr. matches Ray Allen's franchise playoff record with 9 three-pointers
- Antetokounmpo posts 37-point, 12-rebound double-double
- Bucks overcome 10-point halftime deficit with 39-point third quarter
- Milwaukee limits Pacers to 44 second-half points
- Series shifts to Game 4 with Bucks trailing 2-1
In a stunning reversal of fortune, the Milwaukee Bucks delivered a masterclass in playoff basketball during Friday's Game 3 matchup against the Indiana Pacers. The dynamic duo of Gary Trent Jr. and Giannis Antetokounmpo combined for 74 points, rewriting the franchise record books in a game that saw Milwaukee erase a double-digit halftime deficit through explosive second-half shooting.
The Bucks' strategic adjustment to insert Trent into the starting lineup proved revolutionary. The sharpshooter converted 75% of his attempts from beyond the arc, matching Hall of Famer Ray Allen's single-game playoff record set in 2001. Antetokounmpo complemented this perimeter dominance with relentless interior play, securing his 12th career playoff double-double through physical post moves and transition finishes.
Milwaukee's third-quarter explosion showcased their championship pedigree, outscoring Indiana 39-18 while converting 61% of three-point attempts. This marked a dramatic turnaround from their 17% first-half shooting from deep, illustrating the team's ability to adapt mid-game. Defensive adjustments limited Pacers star Tyrese Haliburton to 14 points, 9 below his playoff average.
The victory continues an intense regional rivalry, with these Central Division opponents meeting for the 18th time since 2022. Last season's first-round elimination by Indiana fueled Milwaukee's physical approach, particularly in containing Pascal Siakam after his 28-point performance. Advanced tracking data reveals the Bucks held Indiana to 0.89 points per possession in clutch minutes, a 22% improvement from Games 1-2.
Industry analysts note three critical success factors: rotational flexibility (Trent's first start since February), staggered star minutes (Lillard's off-night minimized through bench support), and paint protection (9 blocked shots). These adjustments suggest Milwaukee is solving the small-ball puzzle that plagued them in recent postseason runs.
With Game 4 looming, the Bucks have demonstrated their capacity to counter Indiana's pace-and-space system. Historical data shows teams winning Game 3 after 0-2 deficits force a series decider 38% of the time. Milwaukee's improved ball movement (29 assists vs. Indiana's 21) and reduced turnovers (11 vs. Pacers' 16) position them as strong candidates to level the series Sunday.