INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Tyrese Haliburton delivered one of the most memorable moments of the season by making a fadeaway three-pointer with 3.4 seconds left on March 11, 2025, leading the Indiana Pacers to a stunning 115-114 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks.
Haliburton, who had been sidelined for three games due to a hip injury, returned with style, demonstrating why he is one of the league's most exciting players. He ran along the left sideline, received an inbound pass from Andrew Nembhard, and launched his high-arcing shot over the outstretched arms of Milwaukee's Giannis Antetokounmpo as he fell out of bounds. The shot could only be described as extraordinary, as Haliburton not only sank the basket but also drew the foul from Antetokounmpo, completing the four-point play to give the Pacers the lead.
With this clutch performance, Haliburton finished the game with 14 points and 10 assists, reaffirming his place as the cornerstone of the Pacers' success. Pascal Siakam was instrumental as well, leading the team with 25 points and 12 rebounds, followed by Bennedict Mathurin, who added 17 points to the scoreboard.
The Bucks had taken control of the matchup with late-game heroics from Damian Lillard, who scored 15 points and made two free throws with 3.9 seconds left to put Milwaukee up 114-111. But they couldn't hold their lead, unable to defend against Haliburton's audacious last-minute shot. Despite Antetokounmpo's efforts, contributing 19 points and 17 rebounds, the outcome was sealed as Milwaukee's final attempt—a clean three-point shot—fell short of the mark as the buzzer sounded.
This game was tightly contested from the beginning, with neither team leading by more than five points throughout the second half. Indiana showed resilience, leading 103-93 with just over eight minutes remaining before the Bucks responded with a 10-0 run, tying the game on a three-pointer by Gary Trent Jr.
Throughout the match, Haliburton's strategic playmaking shone brightly, even when he was limited for much of the game. The Bucks have successfully forced him to operate as a passer, but on this occasion, Haliburton proved he could rise to the challenge and secure victory during high-pressure moments.
This win not only ties the records of the Pacers and the Bucks at 36-28 but also sends a message across the Eastern Conference. Both teams are poised for the playoffs, and this matchup served as a potential playoff preview. Their competitive spirit is sure to carry over as the teams are scheduled to meet again on Saturday, March 15, 2025, at Fiserv Forum.
About this exciting matchup, Haliburton's performance was described by fans and analysts alike as sensational, with many calling it perhaps the shot of the year. The game has sparked discussions about the rising rivalry between these two franchises, with players like Haliburton and Antetokounmpo leading the charge for their respective teams.
The Bucks, fresh off of recent strength and playoff positioning, will surely look to regroup when they face the Lakers on March 13, 2025. Meanwhile, the Pacers will head to Philadelphia on March 14, 2025, carrying the momentum from this thrilling victory and reinforcing their hope to secure valuable playoff positioning.
One thing is for sure: The NBA is alive with excitement as every game begins to count down to the playoffs. Hold on to your seats for what’s next!