Siakam, Haliburton’s double-doubles lead Pacers past Bucks 123-115 for 2-0 series lead

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton played the perfect pair for the Indiana Pacers on Tuesday. Again.

Now they’re two wins away from ousting the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round of the playoffs. Again.

Siakam had 24 points, 11 rebounds and a crucial 3-pointer to start Indiana’s decisive final run, while Haliburton added 21 points and 12 assists to lead the Indiana Pacers past the Milwaukee Bucks 123-115 for a 2-0 series lead.

“He’s been a steady presence for us all year, so glad that he’s on our team,” Haliburton said, referring to Siakam. “I think he could be the most underrated player in the NBA to be honest. I think what he does on a nightly basis is amazing. So consistent, so steady.”

The Bucks are learning that the hard way.

Indiana has won five of the last six playoff games between the teams, leading this one wire to wire. And against a team that won three of this season’s four regular-season matchups, the Pacers still haven’t trailed since the early minutes of the first quarter in Game 1.