After a terrifying loss in Game Four, and going down in this first-round series 3-1, the Milwaukee Bucks came back home in front of their fans, trying to survive with a win in Game Five. Once again, Bucks stars Giannis Antetokounmpo, and Damian Lillard were sidelined for this Game Five due to injury. Even without their stars, Milwaukee outscored Indiana in the last three quarters to take a 115-92 win over the Pacers to force a Game Six back in Indiana.
Milwaukee made sure they pushed their first-round opponent to the limit. The Bucks had a higher field goal, free-throw, and three-point percentage than the Pacers. They also out-rebounded Indiana by 10 and committed one less turnover in this impressive Game Five win. Milwaukee’s defense shut down the Pacers stars from scoring as Tyrese Haliburton, and Pascal Siakam combined for 28 points on 11 of 26 shooting. Hopefully, the Milwaukee Bucks will continue to play great without their two biggest pieces on the court.
Milwaukee Bucks Depleted Bucks Survive in 115-92 Game Five Win
Both teams battled through the first six minutes until the Pacers went on a 9-0 run which gave Indiana an early advantage. At one point, the Pacers held a 10-point lead, but the Bucks would cut this deficit to eight heading into the second quarter. During the next quarter, Milwaukee outscored Indiana 30-17. Just a few minutes into the second, the Bucks took the lead by going on a 12-0 run. They would go on to hold the lead for the rest of the second quarter, as the Bucks walked away with a five-point lead heading into halftime. Although he shot one for six during the second quarter, Khris Middleton led all scorers with 17 points.
Bucks Great Second Half Propels Them to Victory
The Bucks outscored the Pacers 34-19 during the third quarter. Milwaukee shot 57 percent from the field and 50 percent from beyond the arc. Meanwhile, the Pacers shot 41 percent from the field while missing all five of their three-point attempts. Milwaukee also out-rebounded Indiana 14-7 and committed two fewer turnovers during that magnificent third quarter. Bobby Portis Jr. led the Bucks in the third with 10 points. Milwaukee had a solid 20-point lead heading into the final quarter of play.
Milwaukee went 12 for 18 from the field and outscored the Pacers 28-25 during the fourth quarter. Indiana went 11 for 23 from the field, and three for 12 from three-point range. The Pacers could not find the answers to shut down Khris Middleton, or Bobby Portis Jr. As they head back to Indiana, the Pacers will look to close out this series with a Game Six win.
Middleton and Portis Jr. Shine During the Win
Khris Middleton, and Bobby Portis Jr both scored 29 points in the Bucks crucial Game Five win. Middleton recorded 29 points, 12 rebounds, and five assists. Portis Jr. managed 29 points, 10 rebounds, an assist, and a steal. Malik Beasley had 18 points in the win. Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with 16 points. Myles Turner had 13 while Pascal Siakam scored 12 points in Indiana’s loss.
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