Deadspin: Winless Bucks Aren’t Panicking Ahead of Pacers Matchup Despite 0-3 Start
Bucks face an unwanted mark
Milwaukee’s 127-116 defeat to Philadelphia on Saturday left the team winless through three games. A fourth straight loss on Monday would give the Bucks their first 0-4 opening since 1976-77.
That season, Milwaukee dropped its first five games. Coach Larry Costello later resigned after the team began 3-15, and Don Nelson took over.
Jenkins sees signs of progress
After the loss to Philadelphia, Jenkins said the Bucks had competed well in transition and in the paint, but turnovers and key moments hurt them. He praised the team’s competitive spirit and said its record did not reflect progress in how it wanted to play.
Jaquez led Milwaukee with 21 points, while Kel’el Ware contributed 19 points and 13 rebounds off the bench. Jaquez said the group needed to keep improving, with 79 games remaining after the first three losses.
Indiana wins, but loses Zubac
The Pacers moved to 2-1 with a 136-109 victory over Brooklyn on Sunday. Tyrese Haliburton had 24 points and 10 assists, while Haliburton, Andrew Nembhard and Obi Toppin each made four three-pointers; Indiana shot 21-for-43 from long range.
Zubac sprained his left ankle in the first quarter and left the arena on crutches. Coach Rick Carlisle said it was unlikely the center would play Monday, though he described the injury as potentially day-to-day.
Pacers also managing absences
Indiana is already without Ben Sheppard, who has a left meniscus tear, and T.J. McConnell, who has a right hamstring strain. Johnny Furphy is still recovering from an ACL tear.
Carlisle said the team needed everyone available and would have to find ways to compete despite the absences. Milwaukee has taken seven of its last eight games against Indiana, including all four meetings last season.
Key points
- Milwaukee is 0-3 and hosts Indiana on Monday.
- A loss would give the Bucks their first 0-4 start since 1976-77.
- Indiana beat Brooklyn 136-109 but may be without injured center Ivica Zubac.
- The Bucks have won seven of their past eight matchups with the Pacers.