Despite Damian Lillard's return, the Bucks falter without Giannis Antetokounmpo, losing 120-98 to the Pacers who now prepare to face either the Knicks or the 76ers.
On May 3, 2024, the NBA playoffs witnessed a dramatic turn of events as the Indiana Pacers eliminated the Milwaukee Bucks in Game 6 of the first round, securing a 120-98 victory. Despite the return of Damian Lillard to the Bucks' lineup, the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo was keenly felt, leaving Milwaukee unable to counter the Pacers' robust performance at home. With this win, the Pacers advance to the second round with a series victory of 4-2, setting up a potential matchup against either the New York Knicks or the Philadelphia 76ers.
The game began promisingly for the Bucks with an early 10-3 lead, but the Pacers quickly turned the tide with significant contributions from their bench players. Obi Toppin and T.J. McConnell combined for 15 points in the first quarter, helping Indiana to secure a nine-point lead by the end of the period. Despite a brief rally by the Bucks, who narrowed the gap to four points in the second quarter, they suffered a scoring drought lasting over three minutes, allowing the Pacers to extend their lead to 12 points by halftime.
In the second half, the Pacers' dominance continued, and with just over two minutes left in the game, they had extended their lead to 21 points, prompting the Bucks to concede by benching their main players. Key performers for Indiana included Tyrese Haliburton with 17 points and 10 assists, Obi Toppin with 21 points and 8 rebounds, T.J. McConnell with 20 points, 9 assists, and 4 steals, and Pascal Siakam who added 19 points.
For the Bucks, Damian Lillard led the scoring with 28 points, followed by Bobby Portis with a double-double of 20 points and 15 rebounds, and Brook Lopez also scoring 20 points. Khris Middleton contributed 14 points and 8 rebounds, but it was not enough to overcome the Pacers' relentless pressure.
This victory not only advances the Pacers in the playoffs but also marks the second consecutive year the Bucks have been halted in the first round, raising questions about their future strategies and lineup adjustments.
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