Pacers Eliminate Bucks 4-1, Advance to Playoffs Against Cavaliers

The Indiana Pacers eliminated the Milwaukee Bucks from the NBA playoffs with a 119-118 overtime victory, securing a 4-1 series win and advancing to face the Cleveland Cavaliers in the second round. Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers, scoring the decisive layup with 1.3 seconds left and finishing with 26 points and 10 assists, maintaining his perfect 9-0 record in home playoff games. The game featured a dramatic comeback, as Indiana overcame a 20-point deficit and closed overtime on an 8-0 run, aided by key turnovers from Milwaukee in the final seconds. Giannis Antetokounmpo posted a triple-double for the Bucks, while Gary Trent Jr. scored 33 points but committed a crucial turnover at the end. The Bucks were playing without Damian Lillard, sidelined with an Achilles injury, and now face an offseason filled with uncertainty. The Pacers' victory was marked by intense swings and a postgame scuffle, epitomizing the drama and heartbreak of playoff basketball.