Bucks vs Pacers, Match Highlights: Gary Trent Jr. explodes as Bucks blitz Pacers in second-half NBA playoff beatdown

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Bucks vs Pacers, Match Highlights: The Milwaukee Bucks turned Game 3 of their playoff series into a statement of intent, storming back from a double-digit halftime deficit to dominate the Indiana Pacers 117-101.

With the Pacers holding a 2-0 series lead heading into the contest, Milwaukee desperately needed a response—and delivered one in emphatic fashion. After trailing by 12 early in the third quarter, the Bucks roared back with a blistering 39-18 frame, seizing control and never looking back.

Gary Trent Jr., inserted into the starting lineup in a gutsy move by Milwaukee, torched Indiana from deep, drilling 9-of-12 from beyond the arc en route to a 37-point, 4-steal masterpiece. Giannis Antetokounmpo matched his scoring total with 37 of his own and added 12 rebounds to boot.

While the Pacers looked composed early, their offense crumbled under Milwaukee's relentless pressure, and the second-half script turned into a blowout. The Pacers now lead the best-of-seven series 2-1, with Game 4 scheduled for late Sunday night in Milwaukee.

Second-Half Turnaround: Bucks Go Nuclear in Third

Down by 12 at the start of the third, Milwaukee exploded with a near-flawless quarter. Gary Trent Jr. poured in 18 points in the frame alone, and the Bucks nailed five of eight triples in the quarter.

From a tied 62-62 scoreline midway through, the Bucks ended the third with an 86-75 lead and full momentum. Bobby Portis added valuable energy off the bench with 10 points, while A.J. Green and Damian Lillard contributed key buckets in the blitz.

Trent and Giannis Lead Milwaukee's Charge

Trent’s sharpshooting proved too much for Indiana’s perimeter defense. He finished with 37 points on 12-of-17 shooting, including 9-of-12 from long range. Giannis Antetokounmpo continued his MVP-caliber postseason with a 37-point, 12-rebound outing.

Even with Damian Lillard struggling from the field (1-of-10), the Bucks had enough firepower to outpace Indiana. Milwaukee also won the rebounding battle by +8.

Siakam Shines Amid Pacers Collapse

Pascal Siakam did his best to carry the Pacers, finishing with 28 points and providing a consistent offensive threat even as the team unraveled in the second half. Aaron Nesmith added 18 points and 7 rebounds, while Tyrese Haliburton registered a double-double with 14 points and 10 assists.

However, Indiana shot just 43.3% from the field and 31.7% from deep, and their ball movement stalled as the Bucks tightened the screws defensively.

Pacers Held in Check After Strong Start

The first half belonged to Indiana, who used a late surge in the second quarter to take a 57-47 lead into the break. Aaron Nesmith led the way early with 15 points and 6 boards, while Siakam had 13 and Mathurin chipped in 9 off the bench.

Haliburton orchestrated the offense smoothly with 8 points and 8 assists. But things went south quickly after halftime as the Bucks’ defensive intensity and shooting precision shifted the game’s momentum.

Crowd Energy and Chippy Moments

The game wasn’t without edge. Bennedict Mathurin received a technical foul after approaching Giannis during free throws. Later, Milwaukee fans rained down a thunderous "Overrated!" chant at Tyrese Haliburton—an echo of a recent anonymous player poll where he was labeled the league’s most overrated. The Bucks fed off the energy, especially in the second half.

With Game 4 approaching late Sunday night in Milwaukee, the pressure shifts back onto the Pacers. Indiana still holds the series lead, but their inability to handle Milwaukee’s second-half surge should raise some internal alarms.

Haliburton will need to answer back both statistically and emotionally after a tough Game 3, especially under the glare of national criticism. Meanwhile, Indiana must improve its defensive closeouts and find more offensive balance beyond Siakam and Nesmith.

For the Bucks, this is the formula: Let Giannis dominate the paint, and unleash the shooters. Trent’s incredible Game 3 makes him a major X-factor moving forward, and if Damian Lillard can rediscover his rhythm in Game 4, Milwaukee could tie the series before heading back to Indianapolis for Game 5 (Tuesday, 6 p.m. ET). The Bucks look reborn, and now the question is—can they sustain the fire?