Tyrese Haliburton ended the Indiana Pacers’ first-round series against the Milwaukee Bucks with a go-ahead layup to cap an eight-point run in overtime to seal Game 5.
Tuesday’s matchup between the Pacers and the Bucks went to overtime after both teams scored 103 in regulation in Indianapolis. The Bucks were on the verge of forcing Game 6 after going up 118-111 with 40.0 seconds remaining in overtime. The Pacers then went on an 8-0 run to close the game and win the series, 119-118.
Indiana’s Andrew Nembhardknocked down a three to come within 118-114 of the Bucks with 34.1 seconds remaining. A bad pass from Milwaukee’s Gary Trent Jr. led to a Haliburton layup to cut the Pacers’ deficit to two points with 17.0 seconds left. Haliburton was fouled on the play and knocked down a free throw to bring the Pacers within one point. Trent committed another turnover with 10.1 seconds remaining after losing the ball out of bounds. Haliburton gave the Pacers the go-ahead with a layup to give the Pacers a 119-118 advantage with 1.1 seconds remaining. It was enough to win the game and the series 4-1.
Haliburton finished with 26 points, nine assists and five rebounds. Myles Turner added 21 points and nine rebounds.
Trent had a team-high 33 points (8-of-17 3PT) for the Bucks in the losing effort. Giannis Antetokounmpo finished with a triple-double, with 30 points, 20 rebounds and 13 assists.
The Pacers will face the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round. The Cavaliers swept the Miami Heat to advance.
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