The Indiana Pacers made franchise history on Sunday night with a record-breaking performance in their 126-113 victory over the Milwaukee Bucks. Led by Myles Turner’s 29 points and Tyrese Haliburton’s 24 points, the Pacers drained a franchise playoff record 22 3-pointers to take a commanding 3-1 series lead.
The win puts the Pacers in position to reach the Eastern Conference semifinals for the first time since 2014, with a chance to close out the series on Tuesday in Milwaukee. Indiana has dominated the Bucks this season, boasting a 7-2 record against them.
Despite missing injured All-Stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, the Bucks put up a fight with Brook Lopez scoring 27 points and Khris Middleton adding 25 points. However, Middleton’s foul trouble and Bobby Portis Jr.’s ejection in the first quarter hindered the Bucks’ efforts.
Haliburton’s career playoff high and Turner’s stellar performance propelled the Pacers to a comfortable lead in the third quarter, which they maintained throughout the game. Milwaukee made a late push in the fourth quarter but couldn’t overcome Indiana’s lead.
With contributions from Andrew Nembhard, Pascal Siakam, and Malik Beasley, the Pacers secured a convincing victory and are now one win away from advancing in the playoffs. The Bucks will need to regroup and find a way to contain the Pacers’ sharpshooting in Game 5 to stay alive in the series.