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A Giannis Antetokounmpo-led team will not go out without a fight. Despite the Milwaukee Bucks' point guard, Damian Lillard, suffering an Achilles tear in Game 4, the Bucks gave it their all against the Indiana Pacers in Game 5. However, due to Tyrese Haliburton's courageous performance, the Pacers eliminated the Bucks in Game 5, 119-118.
With their backs against the wall, the Bucks reached deep in their bag of desperation, rocking the Pacers with a 30-13 scoring advantage in the first quarter. Given the Bucks' dominant start, it's no shock they led the Pacers by as many as 20 points. Yet, despite such a poor start, the Pacers eventually took a brief lead in the third quarter, only for the game to swing back and forth for the duration of the contest.
Tyrese Haliburton produced quite an admirable effort in the elimination game. He gave the Pacers enough fight to make for an entertaining matchup at the Gainbridge Fieldhouse. Haliburton produced a tough game, as he displayed a tenacious defensive performance in the elimination contest.
Similar to Haliburton for Indiana, Antetokounmpo influenced the Bucks' defensive pressure. The Milwaukee star produced 20 rebounds, two steals, and two blocks. However, regarding pressure, the Pacers displayed a masterclass of how to guard Antetokounmpo.
Indiana kept two players on him nearly the entire game, forcing the Bucks star into seven turnovers, including multiple traveling violations.
Antetokounmpo had the 30-point triple-double, but Gary Trent Jr.'s 33 points nearly saved the Bucks from elimination.
However, Haliburton led the Pacers with 26 points and took control in the final two periods.
Due to such a remarkable defensive performance, and clutch baskets from Haliburton in the fourth quarter, along with the game-winning layup in overtime, the Pacers survived an explosive Trent Jr. overtime performance, as he scored 12 points in the period.
The Pacers will take on the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Conference Semifinals.
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