MILWAUKEE (AP) — Giannis Antetokounmpo had 34 points, 10 rebounds, and seven assists before fouling out, and the Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Indiana Pacers 126-119 on Saturday night. The game played at Fiserv Forum showcased two teams battling significantly for playoff positioning as the regular season draws near its conclusion.
After trailing 105-84 with 11 minutes left, Indiana made a frantic comeback and cut Milwaukee’s lead to 122-119 on Andrew Nembhard’s 3-pointer with just 12.5 seconds remaining. The Bucks had commanded the game for most of its duration, leading 117-106 at the moment Antetokounmpo picked up his sixth foul with 2:46 left on the clock.
Adding to the Bucks’ excitement was Damian Lillard, who contributed with 25 points, 10 rebounds, and eight assists, helping Milwaukee maintain their lead. Milwaukee’s victory not only improved their record to 38-28 but also gave them sole ownership of fourth place in the Eastern Conference—a key position for home-court advantage during the playoffs.
Throughout the season series against Indiana, the Bucks now held the upper hand 3-1 after this latest victory. The game was particularly riveting as it unfolded just four days after the Pacers overcame Milwaukee with a stunning victory, thanks to Tyrese Haliburton’s late-game heroics. Haliburton, who has consistently challenged the Bucks during their matchups, recorded 24 points and 15 assists on Saturday, reflecting his impactful presence.
"It was intense out there, and it felt like the playoffs just began early. The energy was buzzing," said Lillard post-game. The atmosphere at Fiserv Forum was electric, with fans eagerly savoring the rivalry between these two teams.
Early on, Milwaukee established dominance as Antetokounmpo rattled off several powerful plays, leading with both scoring and rebounds. They ramped up their game significantly, shooting 54.4% from the field and effectively utilizing their bench, which outscored Indiana’s bench 35-18.
Aaron Nesmith led Indiana’s efforts with 30 points, shooting 6-for-7 from beyond the arc, energizing the Pacers with his dazzling performance. Pascal Siakam and Tyrese Haliburton also made notable contributions, scoring 26 and 24 points respectively. Despite this, the Pacers struggled to maintain their momentum without sufficient support from their bench, which traditionally has been their asset.
Pacers’ head coach Rick Carlisle addressed the stark differences between the teams' bench outputs. "We rely on our depth to maintain leads and sustain pressure, but tonight, we fell short on those expectations," he lamented. His bench—including notable sharpshooters like Bennedict Mathurin—struggled, with multiple players ending their minutes with negative plus-minus ratings.
Milwaukee had jumped to significant leads, including at one point leading by 21 points, forcing the Pacers to rally back, which they impressively did behind second-half shooting bursts. Their comeback was spurred by effective outside shooting and defensive pressure. Andrew Nembhard’s clutch shot underscored their fighting spirit late on.
Taurean Prince emerged as another unsung hero for the Bucks, scoring key points during the final stretch, particularly when Milwaukee needed it the most. His contributions extended beyond just points; he also provided defensive intensity, securing two pivotal rebounds and helping the Bucks maintain composure when Antetokounmpo fouled out.
The Bucks’ win signifies more than just a single game triumph; it may have set the tone for their final push toward the postseason. "We’ve got to keep this pace up. Every game matters now—especially with how tight the standings are," commented Bucks’ coach Doc Rivers, highlighting the competitive nature of this year's Eastern Conference.
Next, the Bucks will face off against the Western Conference-leading Oklahoma City Thunder on March 16, 2025, another important match as they aim to solidify their playoff positioning.
On the other hand, the Pacers, now with 37 wins and 29 losses, will visit the Minnesota Timberwolves on March 17, 2025, where they’ll look to get back on track after falling short against Milwaukee.
This game was filled with memorable moments, strategic battles, and showcases of individual talents. Both teams displayed resilience and skill, setting the stage for what promises to be a thrilling conclusion to the regular season.