At the Buzzer: R1G5 — Pacers 119, Bucks 118 (OT)
The Pacers rallied late to eliminate the Bucks in Game 5 thriller. Tyrese Haliburton came up clutch as the Pacers erased 7-point OT deficit, then he told Bucks fans to "overrate that."
The Indiana Pacers were back home Tuesday for Game 5 of their first-round series with the Bucks, who were on the brink of elimination. While in Milwaukee over the weekend, the Pacers discussed wanting to take care of business and not having to return for a Game 6.
On Monday, the Bucks confirmed that Damian Lillard suffered a torn left Achilles tendon and would need surgery. With their season on the line, head coach Doc Rivers shuffled their starting lineup and only Giannis Antetokounmpo remained — joined by Kevin Porter Jr., Gary Trent Jr., AJ Green, and Bobby Portis.
The game officials were David Guthrie, Courtney Kirkland, Brian Forte, Kevin Cutler (alternate).
The Bucks were without Tyler Smith (left ankle sprain), who hasn’t played in the series, and Lillard.
Sports books favored the Pacers by 7.5.
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🏀How it happened: The Pacers trailed 118-111 with 40 seconds left in overtime — and then scored the final eight points of the game. It started with defense, forcing two turnovers, and ended with scores on each of their final three possessions.
Each time the Pacers looked out of it, they found a way. Like when they were down 103-99 with less than a minute left in regulation. Tyrese Haliburton, quiet for much of the game offensively, didn’t get discouraged and stayed with it. He scored their final six points in regulation and final five in overtime.
He had heard the boos and chants of “over-rated” from Bucks fans over the weekend — and ultimately helped send his home-state team home for good his season.