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Possibly the final game in this Eastern Conference first-round series, Game 5 between the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers tips off at 6 PM ET at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana, airing on NBA TV. It’s the first of four playoff games on today’s packed slate. The Pacers currently hold a commanding 3-1 lead after flipping the script in Game 4 with a dominant 129-103 win on the road.
The series began with both teams protecting home court, but Indiana seized early control with strong performances in Games 1 and 2. In Game 1, the Pacers overwhelmed the Bucks despite a stellar 36-point, 12-rebound showing from Giannis Antetokounmpo. Indiana’s balanced attack, led by Pascal Siakam’s 25 points and six players scoring in double figures, paved the way for a convincing 117-98 victory. Milwaukee struggled mightily from beyond the arc, shooting just 9-of-37 from three-point range, and ball movement remained a major issue.
Game 2 saw the return of Damian Lillard, who had been sidelined for a month by a blood clot scare. While it was encouraging to see Lillard back on the court, his rust was apparent, and Indiana capitalized again. The Pacers notched a 123-115 win, with all five starters scoring at least 15 points. Indiana’s offense hummed, and Milwaukee’s defensive rotations couldn’t keep up.
Facing a critical Game 3 in Milwaukee, the Bucks responded with their best effort of the series. Giannis delivered another monster game, and Gary Trent Jr. erupted for 37 points, draining 9 threes in a breakout performance. Milwaukee’s 117-101 win gave them a glimmer of hope, but it came with the caveat that counting on another explosion from Trent would be a risky proposition.
Unfortunately for the Bucks, Game 4 dealt a devastating blow. Damian Lillard suffered a torn Achilles early in the contest, just two games after his return. Without their All-Star guard, Milwaukee’s offense sputtered badly. Giannis still managed 28 points and 15 rebounds, but it was his least efficient performance of the series. Trent Jr., after his Game 3 heroics, was virtually invisible, scoring just 6 points on six shot attempts. Kyle Kuzma and Brook Lopez added only 3 and 6 points, respectively, meaning Giannis was the lone Bucks starter to reach double digits.
Bench contributors Kevin Porter Jr. and Bobby Portis offered some resistance, scoring 23 and 14 points, but it wasn’t enough to keep pace with Indiana’s relentless depth. Even with Siakam having his quietest game of the series (12 points on 5-of-10 shooting), the Pacers had eight players score in double figures. Myles Turner (23 points) and Andrew Nembhard (20 points) rebounded from poor outings in Game 3 and led the charge.
Indiana’s offense continues to click, thanks to their ball movement and spacing. Tyrese Haliburton dished out 15 assists, and the Pacers scored 50 points in the paint while also connecting on 18 threes at a 46% clip. Eight players hit at least one triple, showing their ability to stretch Milwaukee’s defense and exploit mismatches.
Indiana’s consistency and depth have been the difference in this series. While Giannis remains the best player on the floor every night, Milwaukee has struggled to find a reliable second scorer, especially with Lillard’s injury removing a critical weapon. Trent’s Game 3 outburst was a welcome surprise, but Game 4 showed it was not something the Bucks could depend on.
The Pacers, by contrast, get meaningful contributions across their roster. Jarace Walker, TJ McConnell and Obi Toppin provided big minutes off the bench in Game 4, while the starters remained cohesive even with Siakam’s off night. With Haliburton orchestrating the offense, Indiana has weapons at every position and can beat Milwaukee inside and out.
Milwaukee’s path to extending the series requires an all-time performance from Giannis. The Greek Freak has been sensational throughout the series, averaging 48 combined points and rebounds per game. He posted 36 points and 12 rebounds in Game 1, 34 and 18 in Game 2, 37 and 12 in Game 3 and 28 and 15 in Game 4. But without a reliable supporting cast, his Herculean efforts may not be enough to carry the Bucks past a Pacers team firing on all cylinders.
Returning to Gainbridge Fieldhouse, where Indiana has already shown they can dominate, the Pacers are poised to close things out. The energy of the home crowd, the superior depth and the emotional lift from seeing their balanced approach succeed, even without a huge night from Siakam, all point toward Indiana sealing the series.
Still, Milwaukee will not go down quietly, especially with Giannis leading the way. Expect a fierce effort from the Bucks’ superstar, but it may be too tall a task without enough help.
Zach has been a published sports writer since 2018 specializing in college football & basketball, MLB and NFL content for multiple publications.