By Chris Robinson

The Indiana Pacers opened their first-round playoff series with a commanding 117-98 victory over their rival, the Milwaukee Bucks, in their first round NBA Playoffs matchup.

Indiana stormed out of the gates and built a an early lead, even leading by 24 at halftime. The Pacers continued pushing the pace and hitting threes, at one point leading by as many as 30.

Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 25 points and 7 rebounds, while Myles Turner added 19 points and 4 blocks. 

Tyrese Haliburton contributed 10 points and 12 assists, helping run the offense effectively. Andrew Nembhard was also key early, scoring 15 first-half points.

The Bucks were powered largely by Giannis Antetokounmpo, who finished with 36 points and 12 rebounds, but two Milwaukee starters failed to score, and the team was without Damian Lillard, as he eyes a return some point in the series following his deep vein thrombosis (DTV) injury.

Game two takes place in Indiana on Tuesday evening.

Chris Robinson can be reached at crobinson@hustleboss.com