The Indiana Pacers have taken a commanding 2-0 series lead against the Milwaukee Bucks, showcasing a formidable offense and defense. Despite the star power of Giannis Antetokounmpo, who is averaging 35 points and 15 rebounds, the Bucks have faltered, failing to secure a win. Coach Doc Rivers highlighted the critical issue of defending against middle drives, with the Pacers exploiting this weakness to score almost 40 points in that area alone. Rivers emphasized the need for better point-of-the-ball defense and improved pick-and-roll coverage.

The Bucks' interior defense, led by Antetokounmpo and Brook Lopez, has shown strength with five blocks in Game 2, but their perimeter defense has been lacking. Tyrese Haliburton's ability to penetrate the middle has opened up corner three-point opportunities, contributing to the Pacers shooting 44% from beyond the arc in Game 2. As Rivers noted, it seems challenging for the Bucks to defend effectively against the Pacers' dynamic offense. With the momentum on their side, the Pacers are not just eyeing a series win but aiming for a repeat performance from their previous playoff series against the Bucks.