The Indiana Pacers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 126-113 in Game 4 of their playoff series, taking a 3-1 lead and needing just one more win to advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals. Myles Turner and Tyrese Haliburton led the way for the Pacers, scoring 29 and 24 points respectively. Indiana set a franchise playoff record with 22 made 3-pointers in the game. The Bucks, missing injured All-Stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, were led by Brook Lopez and Khris Middleton, but ultimately couldn’t keep up with the Pacers’ hot shooting.
Despite the absence of Antetokounmpo and Lillard, the Bucks put up a fight, with Middleton playing through foul trouble and Bobby Portis Jr. being ejected in the first quarter after a scuffle with Andrew Nembhard. The first half was competitive, with the Pacers holding a narrow lead of 67-64. However, a strong start to the third quarter, including three consecutive 3-pointers from Haliburton, gave Indiana a comfortable lead. The Pacers extended their advantage in the third quarter and maintained control in the fourth, never letting the Bucks get within single digits of the lead.
Nembhard and Pascal Siakam also contributed to the Pacers’ victory, with Nembhard scoring 15 points and Siakam adding 13 points, nine rebounds, and seven assists. The Bucks, led by Lopez and Middleton, couldn’t overcome their lack of depth and the shooting prowess of the Pacers. With a 7-2 record against the Bucks this season, Indiana has a chance to close out the series in Game 5 in Milwaukee.
The status of Antetokounmpo and Lillard for Game 5 remains uncertain, as both players are dealing with injuries. Antetokounmpo has been sidelined with a left calf strain since April, while Lillard suffered an Achilles tendon injury in the previous game. The Pacers will look to take advantage of the Bucks’ injury woes and finish the series on the road, securing their spot in the conference semifinals for the first time since 2014.
The win for the Pacers marks their third consecutive victory after dropping the series opener. Indiana has been efficient from beyond the arc throughout the series, setting a playoff record for made 3-pointers in Game 4. The team’s balanced scoring and strong defensive effort have been key factors in their success against the Bucks, who are facing the possibility of another first-round exit. The Pacers have an opportunity to make a statement in Game 5 and advance to the next round of the playoffs.
