The Milwaukee Bucks made home court count to get back into the series with the Indiana Pacers.
The Indiana Pacers took the opening two games of the series against the Milwaukee Bucks, prompting renewed discussion about the future of Giannis Antetokounmpo.
It was clear Giannis needed help, with Kyle Kuzma delivering an embarrassing 0-0-0 performance in Game 1.
Damian Lillard’s return in Game 2 did not spark the team – so in Game 3 it was a surprise name who stole the show, Gary Trent Jr.
The Milwaukee Bucks won the game 117-101 to narrow the Pacers series lead to 2-1.
And this game will be forever remembered as the Gary Trent Jr game, with the Bucks star delivering an incredible 37 points, matching Giannis.
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Gary Trent Jr became the first Milwaukee Bucks players ever to both score 35 plus points in the same playoff game.
And with a staggering nine three pointers, this matched a Bucks record set by legendary star Ray Allen.
In terms of overall NBA records, Trent Jr’s nine threes is tied for fourth all-time in NBA Playoff game.
This is not quite Trent Jr’s highest ever performance – he scored 44 points in a game for the Toronto Raptors in 2021, and also had two 42 points efforts.
It took a superhuman effort from Giannis and Gary Trent to seal the Bucks win, and this was necessary as there were not a lot of points elsewhere.
Damian Lillard is still trying to find his fitness after returning, and managed only 7 points. Kyle Kuzma’s struggles continued with only 9. While Brook Lopez ended up with a 0.
The Bucks can probably rely on Giannis to produce another 37 points performance, he has made this look normal. But will Gary Trent Jr have another game like this in this series?
Assuming he does not, then his Bucks teammates need to step up just like he did in this game.
