Herro Leads Bucks Past Pacers in Season Opener

Milwaukee's win came at the expense of the Indiana Pacers, who lost 110-102 on Monday night at Fiserv Forum. The result gave the Bucks their first victory of the season and prevented a 0-4 start. The last time Milwaukee began a season with four straight losses was in 1976-77, a campaign that ended with a 30-52 record.

Tyler Herro anchored the Bucks' offense with 23 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists. Ryan Rollins added 19 points, while Kyle Kuzma contributed 17. Kel'el Ware posted a double-double with 16 points and 14 rebounds, marking his second consecutive game with such a stat line. Myles Turner scored only six points but played a critical role on defense, securing an offensive rebound that led to a late three-pointer by Kuzma.

The Pacers entered the game without several key players. Center Ivica Zubac sprained his left ankle during a 136-109 win over Brooklyn the previous night. The team also missed T.J. McConnell with a hamstring strain, Andrew Nembhard with a back issue, and Ben Sheppard with a meniscus tear. Indiana's Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 22 points, nine assists, and six rebounds. Pascal Siakam added 20 points, 13 rebounds, and six assists.

The game remained tight until the fourth quarter. An Indiana turnover allowed Nate Ament to dunk and break an 86-86 tie with 10:08 remaining. That play started an 8-0 run for Milwaukee, as the Pacers missed their first six shots of the final period. Siakam later cut the lead to three points with six consecutive baskets, but three-pointers from Kasparas Jakučionis and Kuzma extended the Bucks' advantage to 101-92 midway through the fourth.

The crowd at Fiserv Forum was less than one-third full because the Milwaukee Brewers were playing Game 3 of the World Series in Tampa Bay. A score bug on the video board above midcourt allowed fans to track the baseball game while watching basketball.

Ben Sheppard will undergo surgery for his torn meniscus on Wednesday. He played in the season opener against New Orleans but has not appeared since. Sheppard averaged 7.1 points per game in 65 contests last season.

The Pacers will host Philadelphia on Wednesday night. The Bucks will host Houston on the same night.