What Did Pacers Say of 'Four Verticals'?

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Lance Roberson | Last updated Mar 12, 2025 12:20 PM ET

The peculiar last play of Tuesday's Indiana Pacers vs. Milwaukee Bucks game is nothing new for the Rick Carlisle-coached team. Before Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton hit the game-winning shot over Bucks' Giannis Antetokunmpo, the action had been a part of Indiana's gameplan. After the Pacers won 115-114 at the joy of the Gainbridge Fieldhouse crowd, they revealed details of the game-winning play vs. the Bucks.

Carlisle didn't create the four verticals play, but he had the wherewithal to unleash it on the Bucks. Pacers' assistant coach Jenny Boucek designed the action to create space for the offense and confuse opposing defenses.

However, it's not a new play. Those who follow closely will recognize it from the 2024 Eastern Conference Finals against the Boston Celtics. Although the Pacers ran it during the most pressurized segment of the 2023-24 campaign, the team nearly pulled it off against the eventual NBA champions.

Unlike in 2024, though, the play found success in multiple fashions.

Haliburton, the one who caught the ball and finished the play for the victory, commented on how he feels about "four verticals."

"Usually, I hate running that play because I never get the ball," Haliburton told the media after the game.

The Pacers run such a play in practice, and it seems exhausting, but to the Bucks' dismay, it finally worked for the world to see as the game aired on TNT.

Although Haliburton hates running the action, it paid off, as the creative play eventually worked. Moreover, for one of the best defenders in the league, Antetokounmpo, to feel the brunt of the play made for quite the feat.

Pacers All-Star Pascal Siakam commented on the marvelous finish.

"It was incredible," Siakam said. "Just impossible angle. Over Giannis. I don't think he can even see over him."

Not only did Antetokounmpo fail to stop Haliburton, but he also fouled the Pacers' guard, ultimately sealing the Bucks' fate.

While it's unlikely the Pacers will run "four verticals" against the Bucks on Saturday, given their fourth and fifth-seed placements in the Eastern Conference, perhaps they could do it again if they play each other in the 2025 playoffs.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

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