The Indiana Pacers shut Bobby Portis up with big win in Game 3
By Ryan Stano
The Indiana Pacers came back to Indianapolis after achieving their goal of stealing one in Milwaukee. They beat the Bucks in Game 2 thanks to the strength of their starting frontcourt. Pascal Siakam and Myles Turner dominated all game long and blew out the Bucks.
After the game, Bobby Portis had some pretty stupid comments. It was clear that it fired up the Pacers because they came out hot. Tyrese Haliburton even had some words for Portis during a free throw about it. That comment clearly added fuel to the fire.
It was the frontcourt again for the Pacers leading the way. This time, it was Obi Toppin who was part of the frontcourt party. He started out the game on fire, scoring 11 points on 5-5 shooting in the first quarter. Myles Turner started the game out well too, scoring 15 points in the first half.
The Pacers make Bobby Portis be quiet after big win in Indy
Indiana Now has a 2-1 series lead after beating the Bucks 121-118. They now control the series, having both the lead and homecourt advantage. Tyrese Haliburton hasn't even gotten going scoring-wise either, besides the game-winner. His passing has been what has been his weapon.
Haliburton had 11 assists in the first half alone. The ball movement is what helped the Pacers win this game. When they are able to get going in transition, they are a hard team to beat. Defenses don't know how to slow them down. When they shoot as well from the corner as they did, they chew up zone defenses too.
Perhaps this loss will make Portis keep his mouth shut for the rest of the series. The Pacers clearly took offense to it. Now they will look to win Game 4 on Sunday and really take a stranglehold on this series. A 3-1 lead would look pretty good for this young team.