Thrilling Overtime Victory Sends Pacers to Second Round, Bucks Fall Short

Giannis Antetokounmpo poured his heart into the game, but it was not enough to save the Milwaukee Bucks’ postseason aspirations.

Tyrese Haliburton’s clutch layup with just 1.3 seconds left in overtime secured a thrilling 119-118 win for the Indiana Pacers over the Bucks on Tuesday night, propelling them into the playoffs’ second round. Despite Milwaukee holding a 118-111 advantage with only 40 seconds on the clock, Indiana mounted an inspiring comeback.

The Pacers are set to face the top-seeded Cleveland, who easily swept Miami, in the upcoming round.

Antetokounmpo’s remarkable triple-double performance of 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 13 assists highlighted the Bucks’ efforts. However, the absence of star guard Damian Lillard, sidelined by an Achilles tendon injury in Game 4, was felt deeply. Unfortunately, Gary Trent Jr.’s crucial turnover in the closing moments of overtime paved the way for Haliburton’s game-winning play.

Tuesday night featured four games, with two also holding the potential to conclude their series.

The New York Knicks could advance by defeating the visiting Detroit Pistons, while the Boston Celtics had the same opportunity at home against the Orlando Magic. The Los Angeles Clippers and Denver Nuggets faced off in the final game, aiming to break a 2-2 series tie.

Let’s dive into the highlights of Tuesday’s action:

Pacers 119, Bucks 118, OT

(Pacers win series 4-1)

Pacers Display Tenacity to Capture Victory Over Bucks

The Indiana Pacers clinched the tumultuous series at home against the Bucks with a victory shaped by grit, determination, and relentless play, maintaining their flawless postseason record at Gainbridge.

A 13-0 start by Milwaukee left the Pacers scoreless until Myles Turner sank a 3-pointer, finally putting Indiana on the board with 7:30 remaining in the first quarter. Struggling at first, the Pacers were down by 20, managing a meager 24% field goal percentage and only 12% from beyond the arc. Yet, in the second quarter, their defense locked in, gradually chipping away at the lead and trailing by just six points at halftime.

Returning with renewed vigor, the Pacers rallied in front of their excited home crowd and by the end of the third quarter, they managed to level the game. The final quarter was a seesaw of leads amid rising arena intensity.

With six players reaching double figures, Haliburton led the way with 26 points while Turner added 21. Aaron Nesmith contributed 19, TJ McConnell brought 18 off the bench, Aaron Nembhard tallied 15, and Pascal Siakam contributed 10. – Shakeia Taylor

Bucks Undone by Errors in Closing Moments

Initially outplaying the Pacers with aggressive defense, the Bucks quickly established a 20-point lead just minutes into the second quarter. Indiana struggled to find a rhythm against the Bucks’ physical gameplay but eventually fought back to trail by just six at the half.

In the second half, the Pacers swiftly overtook the Bucks and transformed the game into a gripping battle. The lead changed hands 12 times and the score was tied 10 times, forcing overtime after Antetokounmpo missed a critical fadeaway jumper at the regulation buzzer.

In overtime, Trent Jr. became pivotal. The Bucks’ guard sank four 3-pointers, including several contested shots, hitting eight of his last nine from deep. He came close to extending the Bucks’ playoff life with his electrifying performance in overtime. However, two turnovers in the final 30 seconds proved costly, allowing the Pacers to seize victory. Milwaukee’s costly mistakes cost them the game. – Eric Nehm

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