Gary Trent Jr. leads Bucks with record-setting performance in playoff game

In Milwaukee, USA, on Friday night, April 25, 2025, Gary Trent Jr. showcased an impressive performance during Game 3 of the first-round playoff series against the Indiana Pacers. The Milwaukee Bucks entered the game trailing the series 2-0 and were in dire need of a victory to avoid falling further behind. Trent, who received a rare opportunity to start, quickly became the linchpin of the Bucks' offense, scoring a playoff career-high 37 points. He capitalized on his shooting rhythm, making an outstanding nine out of twelve attempts from three-point range, thus tying Hall of Famer Ray Allen's franchise playoff record for most three-pointers made in a single postseason game. This pivotal performance not only contributed significantly to the score but also helped shift the momentum in favor of the Bucks. The Bucks faced a challenging start as they trailed by 10 points at halftime, largely due to their shooting struggles in the first half, where they shot poorly from beyond the arc with four makes in twenty-three attempts. However, a notable second-half resurgence led by Trent turned the tide. He scored three consecutive three-pointers early in the third quarter, which helped the Bucks equalize the score at 62 and eventually build a lead that reached as much as 20 points in the fourth. Alongside Trent, Giannis Antetokounmpo also scored 37 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, marking a significant performance from both players, which is quite rare in playoff history for teammates. Trent's contribution was not only scoring; he also played an essential role defensively, setting the tone for the team. His performance drew praise from Antetokounmpo, who noted that Trent's impact was felt on both ends of the court. The crowd was electric, chanting Trent's name as he continued to hit shots, underscoring his transformation into a clutch player for the Bucks. After an earlier game where they were unable to secure a win, this performance was exactly what the team needed. The Bucks, aiming to balance the series, understand the importance of winning this game. With Trent and Antetokounmpo scoring 35 or more points each, they became the first duo in Bucks history to achieve this milestone in a playoff game. This victory not only cut the Pacers' series lead to 2-1 but also demonstrated the potential of the Bucks when key players are performing at their best. As they prepare for Game 4, the confidence gained from this game could prove crucial moving forward.