**Bucks Rally to Victory Over Pacers, Trim Series Lead to 2-1**
The Milwaukee Bucks showcased a powerful second-half performance to defeat the Indiana Pacers 117-101 on Friday night, narrowing the series lead to 2-1. Gary Trent Jr. made history by tying a franchise playoff record with nine 3-pointers, finishing the game with 37 points. Giannis Antetokounmpo matched Trent’s scoring output, also contributing 37 points along with 12 rebounds.
Despite trailing 57-47 at halftime, the Bucks surged back in the third quarter. Trent’s three early 3-pointers helped the team tie the game at 62. Antetokounmpo’s three-point play later gave Milwaukee a 72-69 lead, and they ended the quarter ahead 86-75. The Bucks extended their lead to as much as 20 points in the fourth quarter, with Trent finishing the night shooting 9 for 12 from beyond the arc, equaling Hall of Famer Ray Allen’s record for the most 3-pointers in a playoff game.
A.J. Green and Bobby Portis added 12 and 10 points, respectively, for the Bucks, who faced the Pacers for the 18th time in the last two seasons. Indiana had previously won five of the last six playoff matchups against Milwaukee, eliminating them in the first round last season.
For the Pacers, Pascal Siakam led with 28 points, while Aaron Nesmith contributed 18 points. Tyrese Haliburton recorded a double-double with 14 points and 10 assists.
The Bucks, who struggled with their shooting in the first half, hitting only 4 of 23 from 3-point range, found their rhythm after halftime, converting 11 of 18 attempts. Star guard Damian Lillard had a challenging night, scoring just seven points on 2-of-12 shooting, including 1-of-8 from beyond the arc.
Milwaukee will look to even the series in Game 4, set to take place on Sunday.
**FAQ**
*What was the key factor in the Bucks’ victory over the Pacers?*
The Bucks’ strong second-half performance, highlighted by Gary Trent Jr.’s record-tying nine 3-pointers and Giannis Antetokounmpo’s scoring and rebounding, was crucial in their victory.