Indians Take Commanding Lead in NBA Playoffs with Back-to-Back Wins Over Bucks

The Indiana Pacers took a commanding lead in their NBA playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks with back-to-back wins. They led wire-to-wire and beat the Bucks 123-115 in Game 2, extending their lead to 2-0.The Pacers started strong, scoring in each of their first four possessions and building a 16-point lead. Although the Bucks managed to cut the deficit to just two points in the fourth quarter, the Pacers held on for the win. Clutch three-pointers by Pascal Siakam and Andrew Nembhard sealed the game."Pascal hit as big a shot as you'll ever see in the playoffs," said Pacers head coach Rick Carlisle.The game wasn't without its drama, however. A scuffle broke out at the end of the first quarter after Siakam fell to the ground following a loose ball foul by Gary Trent Jr. The incident resulted in double technical fouls being assessed to Bennedict Mathurin and Trent. Another double technical was issued late in the fourth quarter to Siakam and Bobby Portis.Interestingly, this marks the second game in the series with a double technical foul assessment. In Game 1, Pascal Siakam and Damian Lillard were both given double technicals.Siakam led the Pacers with 24 points and 11 rebounds, while Tyrese Haliburton added 21 points and 12 assists. Coach Carlisle also praised the fans for their energy at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, saying, "The building was as loud as I've ever heard it... A big thank you to our fans, because that really helps us."The Pacers led 68-60 at halftime and went on to win Game 1, 117-98, on Saturday. The series now shifts to Milwaukee for Game 3, scheduled for 8 p.m. Eastern.