Indiana Pacers eliminate Milwaukee Bucks with thrilling overtime comeback

The Indiana Pacers achieved a thrilling victory over the Milwaukee Bucks in the first round of the NBA playoffs, clinching the series with a dramatic 119-118 win in overtime. The game took place in Indianapolis on Tuesday, May 1, 2025, where the Pacers showcased remarkable resilience by completing an 8-0 run in the final moments of overtime. Tyrese Haliburton was instrumental in this comeback, scoring the go-ahead layup with just 1.3 seconds remaining after capitalizing on key turnovers by the Bucks. In the game's dying moments, the Bucks, who led by seven points with merely 40 seconds left, suffered critical mistakes. Gary Trent Jr., who had a standout performance with 33 points, committed two crucial turnovers that shifted the momentum towards the Pacers. Andrew Nembhard hit a three-pointer, and after Haliburton completed a three-point play following one of the turnovers, Indiana found themselves back in contention. The Bucks could not maintain their advantage, allowing Haliburton to execute the game-winning layup shortly after. This defeat marks another early exit for Milwaukee, who faced significant challenges during the series. They were missing superstar Damian Lillard, who had sustained a severe Achilles injury, which hampered their capabilities on the court. Despite efforts from Giannis Antetokounmpo, who put up a stellar performance with 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 13 assists, the Bucks could not overcome their late-game mistakes. The result left them spiraling into an uncertain offseason, with questions about their roster and future performance. The Pacers' win was not just a personal triumph but also a statement about their growth as a team. Overcoming a 3-1 series deficit from the previous year against the Bucks, they demonstrated a strong team effort and resilience under pressure. Tyrese Haliburton, buoyed by the support of his teammates and coach Rick Carlisle, showed remarkable grit in the clutch moments of the game. This victory not only progresses the Pacers to the Eastern Conference semifinals against the Cleveland Cavaliers, but it also reinforces their commitment to advancing in the playoffs, learning from past experiences, and continuing to build on this momentum for future success.