Bucks Outlast Pacers To Secure Elusive Third Straight Win

The Milwaukee Bucks finally broke through a season-long barrier on February 6, 2026, defeating the Indiana Pacers 105-99 at Fiserv Forum to notch their elusive third consecutive win. This victory not only gave the Bucks a much-needed streak, but also extended their dominance over the Pacers this season, making it 3-0 in the ongoing series. For two teams battered by injuries and struggling for consistency, this game was a showcase of grit, resilience, and the unpredictable swings that define NBA basketball.

Entering the matchup, both squads faced significant roster challenges. The Pacers, sitting at 13-38 before tip-off, were without key contributors Tyrese Haliburton (Achilles), Obi Toppin (foot), and recently traded Bennedict Mathurin and Isaiah Jackson. Their depth took another hit as Micah Potter (hip) was questionable, and two-way guards Taelon Peter and Ethan Thompson were listed as doubtful. The Bucks, 20-29 prior to the contest, missed their franchise centerpiece Giannis Antetokounmpo, who remained sidelined with a right calf strain since January 23 and had no concrete timetable for return. Taurean Prince (neck surgery) was out for the season, while Gary Harris (hamstring) and Bobby Portis (hip) were game-time decisions.

Despite the depleted lineups, both teams found reasons for optimism. Milwaukee had just come off back-to-back wins—an overtime thriller against the New Orleans Pelicans and a convincing performance versus the Chicago Bulls—after a rough stretch that saw them lose eight of nine. The Pacers, meanwhile, were eager to reverse their fortunes after dropping consecutive games to the Houston Rockets and Utah Jazz. Recent history between the two franchises added a layer of intrigue: although the Bucks had taken the first two meetings this season, Indiana held the upper hand in the last three seasons (13-9) and had ousted Milwaukee in the 2024-25 playoffs.

From the opening tip, Milwaukee asserted itself, jumping out to a commanding lead. By the fourth quarter, the Bucks were up by 20 points with just over nine minutes remaining, seemingly ready to cruise to victory. But the Pacers, led by Andrew Nembhard and All-Star Pascal Siakam, weren’t about to fold. Nembhard erupted for 18 of his 22 points in the final frame, spearheading a furious rally that cut the deficit to just four points with 4:12 left on the clock. Myles Turner, who finished with nine points and 10 rebounds, played limited minutes down the stretch as Indiana leaned on its smaller, quicker lineup to fuel the comeback.

The Bucks, however, found just enough offense to hold off the surge. Kevin Porter Jr. paced Milwaukee with 23 points on 10-of-20 shooting, while Ryan Rollins added 22 points and AJ Green chipped in 14. Bobby Portis Jr., returning from a hip contusion, was a difference-maker off the bench, scoring 21 points and sealing the game with a crucial layup off a Gary Harris inbound pass in the waning seconds. Jericho Sims, starting in place of the injured Kyle Kuzma, grabbed a career-high 15 rebounds, anchoring the Bucks’ interior defense and providing second-chance opportunities throughout the night.

“He’s gonna play when he’s healthy, we just gotta make sure he’s healthy – he’s getting close,” Bucks coach Doc Rivers said of Giannis Antetokounmpo before the game. “Like, he’s working out, he looks good. So, I would say hopefully sooner than later.” While Milwaukee fans await their superstar’s return, the team’s recent success has been a testament to its depth and adaptability. The Bucks have now won three straight without Giannis, improving their record to 21-29. Balanced scoring has been a hallmark of this stretch, as eight different players logged points against the Pacers and the ball movement kept Indiana’s defense on its heels.

Pete Nance, who has contributed to the Bucks’ recent surge, noted, “I think making shots helps, but I think we were also getting the right ones. I think we were really sharing the ball as a team. Obviously, it’s been a great kind of group effort over the past couple of games.” That collaborative approach was evident as Milwaukee topped 130 points in each of its previous two outings and continued to spread the wealth against Indiana.

For the Pacers, the loss was another tough blow in a season defined by adversity. Siakam led the way with 19 points and 6.8 rebounds per game on the year, while Nembhard’s playmaking (7.5 assists per game) was crucial in keeping Indiana competitive. The Pacers’ defense, however, continued to struggle, allowing 118.7 points per game on average—one of the league’s highest marks. Their offense, averaging 110.9 points, couldn’t quite keep pace with Milwaukee’s balanced attack, especially with so many key players unavailable.

The trade deadline added another wrinkle to Indiana’s storyline. The Pacers acquired center Ivica Zubac from the Los Angeles Clippers in exchange for a protected 2026 first-round pick, a move seen by some as both a nod to the future and an acknowledgment of the team’s current rebuilding phase. Zubac was not available for the Bucks game, and Indiana’s frontcourt rotation remained thin as a result. The Pacers’ odds of retaining their draft pick hinge on lottery positioning, with a 52% chance of keeping it if they finish among the league’s bottom three.

On the Bucks’ side, the trade for Ousmane Dieng (who will wear No. 21) added another young, versatile big to the mix, though he was not a major factor in this contest. Milwaukee’s playoff hopes remain slim—just a 1.3% chance according to ESPN analytics prior to the game—but their recent surge has injected some much-needed energy into the locker room and fan base alike.

As the final buzzer sounded, the Bucks had not only secured a vital win but also exorcised the ghost of their season-long inability to string together victories. For Indiana, the road trip continues with plenty of questions about rotations, health, and the future direction of the franchise. But if this game proved anything, it’s that even in a season marred by setbacks, there’s always room for a little drama—and a lot of heart.