Indianapolis, Indiana — The Indiana Pacers rallied to claim a thrilling victory over the Milwaukee Bucks, winning 119-118 in overtime Tuesday night, thereby advancing to the second round of the playoffs. The game was a showcase of resilience, as the Pacers overcame a late deficit, sealing the win with a layup by Tyrese Haliburton just 1.3 seconds before the final buzzer.
The Bucks had appeared to be in control, leading 118-111 with only 40 seconds left in regulation. However, the Pacers showcased their tenacity, narrowing the gap and ultimately forcing overtime. This victory maintained Indiana’s perfect postseason record at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, marking a significant turnaround in the series.
Early on, Milwaukee jumped to a commanding 13-0 start, putting the Pacers on their heels. Indiana struggled offensively in the first quarter, shooting only 24 percent from the field and just 12 percent from beyond the arc. Despite the rocky start, the Pacers found their footing, tightening their defense and closing the first-half deficit to six points.
Emerging from halftime with renewed energy, the Pacers capitalized on their home-court advantage, tying the game by the end of the third quarter. The final frame was a back-and-forth affair, with 12 lead changes and 10 ties, highlighting the intensity of the matchup. Haliburton led Indiana with 26 points, supported by Myles Turner’s 21, while Aaron Nesmith and T.J. McConnell contributed significantly off the bench.
Meanwhile, Milwaukee struggled with the pace of the game, which was characterized by physical play and pivotal turnovers in the closing moments. The Bucks’ Gary Trent Jr. had a standout performance in overtime, hitting four 3-pointers, but turnovers proved costly as the team failed to maintain control when it mattered most.
In a separate playoff matchup, the Detroit Pistons managed to push their series against the New York Knicks to a Game 6 with a close 106-103 victory. Cade Cunningham’s contribution of 24 points, alongside Ausar Thompson’s impressive performance, proved crucial for Detroit as they head back to Michigan for the next game on Thursday.
Over in Boston, the Celtics decisively closed out their series against the Orlando Magic with a 120-89 win, aided significantly by Paolo Banchero’s foul troubles, which derailed Orlando’s momentum. Banchero’s fifth foul early in the third quarter proved to be the game’s turning point, allowing Boston to seize control and showcase their superior depth and skill.
In Denver, the Nuggets asserted themselves with a commanding 131-115 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers, taking a 3-2 series lead. Jamal Murray’s dominant performance, scoring 43 points, underscored Denver’s resurgence after a shaky start to the series. This pivotal win set the stage for a crucial Game 6 in Los Angeles, where the Nuggets can clinch the series.
As the playoffs progress, the intensity and unpredictability of the matchups deliver thrilling basketball, with teams fighting for every advantage in their pursuit of the coveted championship. Each game presents not just an opportunity to advance but a test of grit, skill, and determination.