Giannis Antetokounmpo delivers silencer at the buzzer as Bucks edge Pacers

The rivalry between these two teams has been heating up over the past few years, and even though it was just a regular-season clash, the Bucks got some payback for their back-to-back first-round exits to Indiana.

On the final play, Giannis Antetokounmpo backed down Aaron Nesmith at the elbow, spun, and drained a fadeaway jumper as Isaiah Jackson’s late help arrived a moment too slow. The two-time MVP watched the shot fall, then turned toward his bench with a confident grin.

Giannis Antetokounmpo’s silencer

After the officials confirmed the basket after review, Antetokounmpo pressed a finger to his lips and motioned for the crowd to quiet down, silencing the home fans inside Gainbridge Fieldhouse.

Just moments earlier, Nesmith had knifed past Antetokounmpo for a layup that tied the game 115-115, completing a furious comeback from a 106-94 deficit midway through the fourth quarter. But Antetokounmpo had the final say, sealing the win and silencing the Pacers’ surge.

Antetokounmpo closed the game with 33 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals, converting 14 of his 21 attempts from the field. It was yet another commanding performance from the two-time MVP, who entered the contest as the league’s leading scorer with averages of 34.2 points, 13.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks on an impressive 68.4% shooting.

The victory lifted Milwaukee to 5-2 on the season, while Indiana slipped to 1-6.

Myles Turner’s return to Indiana

Antetokounmpo, who went 14-of-21 from the floor, didn’t carry the load alone. Six other Bucks players chipped in at least nine points, including Myles Turner, who played his first game back in Indiana since joining Milwaukee in the offseason. Turner recorded nine points, seven rebounds, and a season-best five blocks while being met with a chorus of boos from the home crowd.

The Pacers continued to deal with a depleted roster , missing Tyrese Haliburton, Bennedict Mathurin, TJ McConnell, Andrew Nembhard, and Obi Toppin, all sidelined by injuries.

The Bucks, will face the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday.