Scott Agness

Pacers have to contain their emotions -- and just compete. Double technicals now on Siakam and Portis with 1:22 left.

Bucks within two - closest it's been since the 1Q. Offensive rebounds + Pacers' offensive drought

10-0 Bucks run.... and it's a five-point game after another 3-pointer from Portis (28), who has 11 in the 4th.

Haliburton with a double-double, 21/10a with 15mins left. Bucks are hanging around as the Pacers, who have never trailed tonight, maintain an 11-point edge.

Pacers answer Bucks' 14-6 close to the half with a 10-2 burst to open the 3Q. Their defensive activity is high, then they're getting high percentage shots. They're +10 in the paint with half as many turnovers.

A rocky 2Q for the Pacers as the Bucks got to within four. It's 68-60 at halftime led by 16-3-7 from Haliburton. Giannis has 14-9-5 — but just 2FTs. Lillard has been better than expected: 11pts in 18mins.

Fever players now out on the court during the timeout to throw t-shirts into the stands. Including the three foundational pieces: Caitlin Clark, Kelsey Mitchell, Aliyah Boston.

Emotions were high in the first quarter. And both teams were chatty with the officials. Pacers up 40-30 as both teams shot >55% from the field.

Double technicals issued to Mathurin and Trent Jr. Unnecessary, but the officials are wanting to set the tone. Keep it moving.

Lillard has already played the first 10mins, the last starter on the floor. Antetokounmpo checked out before him. Wonder if he'll get a stint in each half. Pacers maintaining a double-digit lead after starting 11 of 13 from the field.

Great pop of energy from the Pacers to begin this one. Up 8-0, now 16-8. Already seen the Bucks shift to a 2-3 zone. Curious to see how the Bucks settle in after getting past initial rush of Lillard's return. And Kuzma, who blew two layups, has to give them something.

Tyrese Haliburton has changed his song for team intros to the new one that mentions him — "what the Haliburton!" Tip-off for Game 2 is next.

Damian Lillard is officially in the Bucks’ starting lineup for Game 2, set to play in his first game in more than a month.

Also inside my Nembhard feature: - 1on1 with him — including a flashback in Las Vegas - comments from his college coach Mark Few - Lillard to play in Game 2 - Pacers to keep the pedal down - TV rating note for Game 1s https://t.co/kEZcp6rWm7

FEATURE: Andrew Nembhard is more than a defensive stopper. He's ultra competitive, the Pacers’ tone-setter, and a quiet leader. Big moments? They don't faze him. “I just want to keep my head down, keep working, and keep getting better. Keep trying to play winning basketball.” https://t.co/iteRiasBwa

RT @EWeezy_For3eezy: Yall done called Tyrese overrated watch how he go for a 40 ball tonight and help the Pacers be up 2-0! Just cause he…

Rally towels on every seat.

Joe Beckman @Beckman24Joe

@ScottAgness Any shirts or towels tonight ?