At the Buzzer: R1G6 — Pacers 120, Bucks 98
In the end, the Indiana Pacers took the game ball that mattered. They put away the Bucks to advance in the playoffs for the first time in a decade.
The Pacers knew the task ahead of them. Take care of business, get the win and they advance to the second round. Lose, though, and they give hope to the Bucks — a veteran team that would have home-court advantage for Game 7.
To make things more difficult Bucks guard Damian Lillard was upgraded from doubtful to questionable by noon, then to available before the game.
The game officials were Tony Brothers, Courtney Kirland, Justin Van Duyne, Aaron Smith (alternate)
Giannis Antetokounmpo did not play in the series due to a left calf strain. He was doubtful for this one before ultimately being ruled out.
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🏀How it happened: The Pacers got contributions from all over. After falling behind 10-3, T.J. McConnell and Obi Toppin were inserted off the bench and immediately changed the game with their energy and pace. And pace is everything in this series.
Tyrese Haliburton accounted for 10 of the Pacers’ first 25 points and Toppin scored another nine. The 33-24 lead after the first period was a good indication for the Pacers after they shot 52% while keeping the Bucks to below 40%.
The Pacers dealt with foul trouble throughout much of the game, players like Myles Turner, Aaron Nesmith and Pascal Siakam. By halftime, the Pacers’ bench had outscored the Bucks’ 19-1.
Siakam scored nine of 19 points in the third and neither team lost their composure despite a few heated moments. The Pacers grew their lead to 15 after three quarters (via an 8-0 run), but they were done yet.
They blew the game open after an outburst in the backcourt by McConnell and Nembhard. The Pacers left no doubt and outscored the Bucks in all four quarters.