INDIANAPOLIS — The Indiana Pacers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 119-118 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse Tuesday night to advance to the next round of the playoffs.
The Pacers beat the Bucks thanks to a dominant performance by Myles Turner, who led the team with 21 points and nine rebounds. All-Star Point Guard Tyrese Haliburton also posted 24 points, nine assists and three steals.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the way for the Bucks in what was a dominant first half. The team was without All-Star Guard Damian Lillard after he sustained a season-ending injury in Game 4. Antetokounmpo ended the contest with a triple-double: 30 points, 20 rebounds and 13 assists.
Shooting Guard Gary Trent Jr. led the Bucks in total points scored with 33 points. He also recorded five rebounds and five steals.
The Pacers trailed 47 to 41 at halftime as the Bucks looked to carry their bright start into the final two quarters to keep their playoff hopes alive. The game came down to a pivotal fourth quarter after the Pacers managed to level the game 75 to 75 at the end of the third quarter.
The sides continued exchanging leads throughout the fourth quarter. With less than a minute left, Milwaukee had a four-point lead. The Pacers managed to claw their way back into the game in the form of a Haliburton dunk to tie the game 103-103 and force overtime.
The Pacers managed to pull away in overtime, coming out 119-118 victors thanks to a clutch Haliburton play after he converted a layup with one second remaining.
Heading into tonight’s Game 5, Indiana knew it needed a victory to close the first-round matchup against Milwaukee after storming to a 3-1 lead in the series. The Pacers will now prepare to face off against the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round.
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