INDIANAPOLIS: Game 6 of the Indiana Pacers’ first-round series against the Milwaukee Bucks took place on Thursday. The Pacers led the series 3-2 going into play, and they were badly defeated as they attempted to finish the best-of-seven set on Tuesday in Milwaukee.

They were back on their home floor, where they had not yet lost in the series, and they had another opportunity to go to the second round. The fact that Damian Lillard had returned to the Bucks starting lineup prior to the game meant that the game would be harder for the blue and gold.Reebok FloatZig worn by Justin Fields

For the first four minutes, the Bucks were the superior team, jumping out to an early 8-3 lead. They were preventing Indiana from scoring by frequently making mid-range shots. They appeared skilled and ready to take the initiative; Indiana had to react.

After a 9-3 run, they were considerably more effective in their subsequent trips down the floor, cutting the Milwaukee lead to 13-12. They had to maintain their effort, but they got comfortable and quickly got back into the game. The Bucks never give up.

The score was knotted at sixteen after seven minutes of play. The hosts had lately checked in with Obi Toppin, who was performing admirably. His quickness and intensity made it hard for the Bucks to match him, which allowed the Pacers to close the gap.

With 3:09 remaining in the first quarter, Indiana’s attack was still looking successful, leading them to a 23-19 lead. Indiana could not afford to slow down, but their slow start was history. The play in their series has been erratic thus far.

After coming into the game, the Pacers bench performed well. In addition to Toppin, T.J. McConnell was contributing to the blue and gold’s late-quarter 10-point lead by playing well and getting into the paint. Following a terrible beginning, Indiana was in charge of the game.

After twelve minutes, they led 33–24 and maintained that lead for the remainder of the quarter. The blue and gold had a strong start to Game 5, but by halftime they were behind 10 points. They had to keep their focus. Haliburton had the most, scoring ten points.

After the Bucks scored two baskets in the second quarter, including a three-pointer by Lillard, the lead had shrunk to four points. It was looking a lot like the Pacers’ last game, where they lost swiftly after taking a first-quarter lead. They had to get back together.

With 8:20 remaining before halftime, Indiana managed to preserve their advantage at eight points despite the fact that they did not score as many points as they would have liked in the following few minutes. At a crucial moment, the blue and gold gained stability and forced a Milwaukee timeout.

The Pacers’ advantage increased to a game-high 11 following the delay. They increased their intensity on both ends and were making it difficult for Milwaukee to mount a comeback. Even though the first half had been outstanding up to that point, the hosts still had work to do.

Following the break, Milwaukee’s defense improved and caused the Pacers to make a string of poor attempts. However, Indiana played strong defense during that time, and they ended the first half with a double-digit lead. With 2:36 remaining until the break, the score was 52–42.

With a few highlight plays and clutch baskets in the closing minutes of the half, Indiana increased their lead in points scored. At the half, they led 59-47, with 15 points apiece from Haliburton. Aaron Nesmith had scored 12 points by now.

The Bucks scored nine points in a row to open the second half. The Pacers’ lead shrank to seven points, and while they had some replies, they were limited in number. In addition to needing to sit Myles Turner on the bench due to his fourth foul at the time, they also needed to regroup and regain some momentum.

Indiana answered back. The Bucks called a timeout after Pascal Siakam quickly extended the margin to 12 points. Toppin and Bobby Portis started arguing and getting close to one another during the break, but Pacers forward James Johnson intervened to keep things from getting worse. Portis and Johnson were both given technical fouls.

For the following few minutes, Nesmith, Toppin, and Siakam kept making plays, and the Pacers led by about twelve points. The game was starting to fit Indiana’s style and tempo as they were playing well on both ends. Though there was still plenty of time remaining, the Pacers were making all the necessary moves.

Late in the third quarter, Milwaukee made a brief run, but Indiana countered with an 8-0 run to seal the victory. At the end of the third quarter, the Pacers had a 93-78 lead after McConnell finished with a three. They needed to continue playing well because they were only 12 minutes away from winning the series.

McConnell made another three to start the fourth quarter, extending Indiana’s advantage to 18. The crowd was boisterous, and it was their biggest advantage of the evening. However, Portis responded with a three, bringing the margin back to 15. The final stretch was going to be tough.

McConnell kept leading his team on important plays. He was altering the game and making it difficult for the Bucks to mount a comeback with his passing and scoring. There was still 9:30 remaining in the game, and Indiana led by 15 points.

In the next ninety seconds or so, the Pacers extended their lead to twenty points. With 8:06 remaining, Ben Sheppard made a three-pointer to increase the lead to 20, and the Bucks took a timeout. For the guests, it was either do or die.

After the delay, the two teams exchanged baskets, and around the halfway point of the fourth quarter, the Pacers led by 19. With a mixed reserve group, they were applying pressure to Milwaukee from all angles and were playing effectively.

Several substitutions were made by both teams with 2:32 remaining in the match. The Bucks gave a dismissal sign. With 2:30 remaining, the score was 114-94; Indiana only needed to use up all of their time to win.

Indiana won the game 120–98 in the end. For the first time since 2014, they went to the second round of the playoffs after winning the series 4-2.

With 10 assists and 17 points overall, Haliburton finished. Toppin scored twenty-one points and got nine assists from McConnell. All night, the Pacers bench performed admirably.