Gary Trent Jr. Sets Franchise Record with Nine 3-Pointers in Playoff Victory Against Pacers

Gary Trent Jr. Sets Franchise Record with Nine 3-Pointers in Playoff Victory Against Pacers

In a spectacular playoff performance on Friday night, Gary Trent Jr. not only dazzled the crowd at the home arena but also etched his name in the history books by tying a franchise playoff record with nine 3-pointers. With this remarkable shooting display, he scored a total of 37 points, matching teammate Giannis Antetokounmpo, as the Milwaukee Bucks triumphed over the Indiana Pacers with a score of 117-101. This victory allowed the Bucks to reduce the Pacers’ series lead to 2-1.

Bucks Rally After Halftime

The Pacers entered halftime with a commanding 57-47 lead. However, Trent ignited the Bucks’ comeback by sinking three consecutive 3-pointers early in the third quarter, evening the score at 62. Antetokounmpo’s and-one play then propelled Milwaukee into a 72-69 lead, as they ended the third quarter ahead by 11 points, at 86-75.

Dominating the Final Quarter

In the fourth quarter, the Bucks showcased their dominance, extending their lead to as much as 20 points. Trent’s incredible shooting accuracy from beyond the arc, finishing 9 of 12, tied him with Hall of Famer Ray Allen for the most 3-pointers in a postseason game. This performance highlights not only Trent’s skill but also the strategic adjustments made by the Bucks during the game.

Key Contributions from Teammates

In addition to Trent’s prolific scoring, Antetokounmpo contributed significantly by grabbing 12 rebounds. Support came from player A.J. Green, who added 12 points, and Bobby Portis, who chipped in with 10 points. The Bucks faced the Pacers on the court for the 18th time in the last two seasons, intensifying the rivalry between the two teams.

Recent Playoff History

Historically, the matchup has seen the Pacers claim victory in five of the last six playoff encounters. They notably eliminated the Bucks in the first round of the previous season’s playoffs, setting a competitive tone for this year’s series.

Pacers’ Standout Performers

On the Pacers’ side, Pascal Siakam led the scoring with 28 points, while teammate Aaron Nesmith added 18. Tyrese Haliburton also made a significant impact, finishing the game with 14 points and 10 assists, showcasing his role as a key facilitator for Indiana.

Bucks Adjustments Lead to Improved Shooting

After trailing in Game 2, the Bucks made necessary adjustments, seizing an early lead in Game 3. Trent, who received a rare starting position, and Antetokounmpo combined for the Bucks’ first 21 points. It wasn’t until A.J. Green hit a 3-pointer with under three minutes left in the first quarter that another Bucks player contributed to the score.

Interestingly, Milwaukee shot a dismal 4 for 23 from long range in the first two quarters but stood out with a remarkable turnaround, hitting 11 of 18 3-point attempts after halftime. This strategic shift significantly contributed to their victory.

The Challenge Ahead

Despite the win, the Bucks encountered challenges, particularly concerning the performance of star guard Damian Lillard, who was limited to just seven points on 2-of-12 shooting. His performance from 3-point range was particularly troubling, as he made only 1 of 8 attempts. The team’s success in the upcoming games will likely depend on addressing these inconsistencies.

Looking Ahead

With Game 4 set to take place on Sunday, the Bucks are keen to capitalize on their momentum while seeking to level the series. The return home provides an opportunity for fans and players alike to rally behind the team as they face the Pacers once more. The stakes are high as Milwaukee aims to assert itself in this competitive playoff series.

Reporting by The Associated Press.