NBA Playoff Update: Indiana Pacers and Dallas Mavericks even series with away victories, while Minnesota Timberwolves secure a 2-0 lead.
The 2024 NBA playoffs saw the first two road wins on Tuesday night as the Indiana Pacers and Dallas Mavericks evened their series with the Milwaukee Bucks and Los Angeles Clippers, respectively. Meanwhile, the Minnesota Timberwolves extended their lead against the Phoenix Suns.
Despite Damian Lillard’s standout performance for the Bucks, scoring 34 points in his first home playoff game with the team, the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo proved costly as Pascal Siakam led the Pacers to a commanding 125-108 victory, securing 11 rebounds and a game-high 37 points.
NBA legend and TNT Sports analyst Shaquille O’Neal commented on Siakam’s performance, emphasizing its impact on the series outcome, while Charles Barkley echoed O’Neal’s sentiments, stressing the Bucks’ dependence on Antetokounmpo’s return from injury for game three.
In the Western Conference, Luka Doncic propelled the Mavericks to a narrow 96-93 win over the Clippers with a late 14-0 run, scoring 32 points and showcasing defensive prowess by limiting the Clippers to a mere 2/17 from the field when he was the primary defender. Kyrie Irving also made significant contributions with 23 points.
Meanwhile, the Timberwolves dominated the Suns with a comfortable 105-93 victory, led by Jaden McDaniels’ 25-point performance, prompting praise from O’Neal for their collective effort.
