Mexico City. Milwaukee and Indiana met the dizzying pace that NBA games demand. The Bucks extended the duel into overtime with just a breath left in regulation, but the Pacers managed to win 121-118 to take a 2-1 lead in the first-round playoff series.
The match was all suffering for the Bucks, even before stepping onto the court at Bankers Life Fieldhouse in Indiana. Even without star Giannis Antetokounmpo, who was injured three weeks ago, Milwaukee had to rely on Damian Lillard and Khris Middlenton, who despite a great performance with 42 points could not prevent his team from falling.
Lillard showed great strength to recover from an injury he suffered in the first inning and returned shortly after to boost the Bucks with four triples.
However, the Pacers responded with a successful offense from Myles Turnes, who scored 29 points, and Pascal Siakam.
The game was fast-paced throughout, with both teams maintaining a close score. In the final stretch of the fourth inning, Indiana took a 111-108 lead but Middlenton appeared to give life to the Bucks.
With two seconds left on the clock, Middlenton hit a three-point shot to take the duel to overtime, where the script remained with a close battle on the floor.
Middleton pressed with a couple of shots that at times put the Bucks ahead, but by then Tyrese Haliburton also woke up to boost the Pacers’ attack and even settle the duel.
With a floating jump shot, Haliburton scored a double to break the tie when both had 118 points and there was just over a second left in overtime. The closing came immediately with a free throw from Tyrese to give Indiana peace of mind at least until Sunday when they play the fourth game.
#Indiana #beats #Bucks #overtime #leads #playoffs
– 2024-05-03 19:25:58
