What a night in Indianapolis. The Indiana Pacers have officially eliminated the Milwaukee Bucks, closing out the series with a statement win that will be remembered by fans for years. A team that many had counted out has pulled off the upset—taking down a higher seed, a former MVP, and one of the deepest rosters in the league. And they did it with style, energy, and a level of team basketball that has defined their entire playoff run.
Final score: Pacers 120, Bucks 113.
Tyrese Haliburton was sensational. The young point guard played like a seasoned veteran, scoring 28 points while dishing out 13 assists. But it wasn’t just his stats—it was when he made plays. Every time the Bucks made a run, Haliburton responded with a clutch jumper, a no-look dime, or a momentum-shifting steal. He controlled the tempo, kept the Pacers poised, and proved once again that he’s not just the future—he’s the present.
Indiana’s supporting cast showed up in full force. Myles Turner dominated the paint on both ends, hitting timely threes and protecting the rim with ferocity. Andrew Nembhard and Bennedict Mathurin provided crucial minutes off the bench, combining for 27 points and swarming Milwaukee’s guards on defense. The Pacers moved the ball, hit open shots, and outworked the Bucks from start to finish.
Meanwhile, Milwaukee simply looked worn down. Playing without a fully healthy Giannis Antetokounmpo, who missed multiple games this series, the Bucks lacked their usual edge. Damian Lillard tried to keep them afloat, dropping 32 points and hitting big shots in the fourth, but it wasn’t enough. The chemistry just wasn’t there. Too many missed defensive rotations. Too many stagnant possessions. And once again, the Bucks exit earlier than expected.
Credit to head coach Rick Carlisle for the game plan. He kept the Pacers playing fast, disciplined, and confident. He trusted his young guys in big moments, and they delivered. Carlisle’s adjustments throughout the series—especially defensively—completely changed the tone after Game 1.
This win isn’t just a victory—it’s a statement. The Pacers are no longer just a “fun young team.” They’re a legitimate threat in the Eastern Conference. They just took down one of the most experienced, high-profile teams in the league—and they did it without needing seven games.
Fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse were electric all night, chanting “Pacers in 6!” as the final buzzer sounded. For a franchise that hasn’t seen this kind of energy since the Paul George era—or maybe even the Reggie Miller days—this feels like the beginning of something special.
And for Milwaukee? Major questions loom. Injuries played a role, sure. But after another early exit, expect offseason changes.
For now, though, the spotlight belongs to Indiana.
The PACERS eliminate the BUCKS‼️ And the East just got a whole lot more interesting.
