INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — When the Milwaukee Bucks needed a steadying presence Friday night at Indiana, Giannis Antetokounmpo provided it — even from the free-throw line.
The Eastern Conference All-Star captain finished with 41 points, 12 rebounds, six assists and made five of eight free throws during the final four minutes to help Bucks fend off Indiana’s second- half rally for a 141-131 victory.
“We had a good rhythm and were able to just hang on in the second half,” Bucks coach Mike Budenholzer said. “These road wins are pretty sweet and there were some real positive things, especially in the first half.”
Jrue Holiday added 23 points and nine assists for Milwaukee, Khris Middelton added 17 despite playing just 15 minutes.
Budenholzer even liked Antetokounmpo’s form on his late free throws as the Central Division- leading Bucks won their third straight, this one in front of a surprisingly friendly road crowd.
This time, though, the 33- point first- half deficit was simply too much. Myles Turner led the Pacers with 24 points and Buddy Hield added 22 as Indiana lost for the ninth time in 10 games.
“The starts we’ve been getting off to have been atrocious,” T.J. McConnell said after finishing with 19 points and nine assists. “It was the pace. When we get out and run and play with pace, we’re pretty good. When we can’t get a stop, you see what happened in the first half.’
Milwaukee took control quickly with a balanced attack and incredible 3- point shooting. The Bucks’ ninth 3 capped a 15- 3 run to close the first quarter and gave them a 45-30 lead. The charge continued through the second quarter as the margin expanded to 85- 52 in the final minute of the half.

