The Indiana Pacers emerged victorious in their first postseason game at Gainbridge Fieldhouse since April 21, 2019, defeating the Bucks with a score of 121-118 in overtime on Friday evening. This win puts the Pacers ahead 2-1 in the Eastern Conference first-round playoff series.

Tyrese Haliburton secured victory for the Pacers by making the decisive basket with only 1.6 seconds left on the clock, resulting in a foul being called on Pat Beverley. Indiana emerged victorious as Khris Middleton’s 24-foot shot hit the rim right as the buzzer sounded, following Haliburton’s free throw attempt.

.Pacers fans had to wait a considerable amount of time to witness a home playoff game, since the team participated in the “bubble” playoffs in 2020. Despite the early start on a weekday, the environment was lively and noisy, with WNBA’s top choice Caitlin Clark adding to the excitement by mimicking the sound of an Indy Car engine before the game began.

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The Bucks initially struggled, shooting 2 for 10 from the floor, while the Pacers took advantage and built a significant lead of up to 19 points in the first half. The Pacers maintained a shooting percentage of over 50% for a large portion of the first 24 minutes.

Indiana established a significant lead in the first eight minutes of the game, reaching a double-digit advantage. Although Milwaukee managed to reduce their deficits to less than ten points at certain moments in the second and third quarters, they did not regain full control of the game until late in the third and early in the fourth quarter. During this period, they went on a 16-4 run, allowing them to take their first lead of the game with over nine minutes remaining.

During that period, the game significantly decelerated into a physically intense exchange, characterized by six instances where the lead changed in the last 8 minutes and 40 seconds. Middleton, Damian Lillard, and Bobby Portis spearheaded the offensive efforts for the Bucks, while Pat Beverley and Brook Lopez solidified the defensive performance.

By making crucial shots, Middleton had a pivotal role in the Bucks’ ability to tie the game at 111-111 and single-handedly scored all seven points for the team during overtime.

Middleton recorded a total of 42 points and 10 rebounds, although Lillard contributed 28 points and Portis added 17 points. Lopez contributed 14 points and Beverley contributed an additional 11 points.

Despite Middleton’s impressive 42-point performance, the Pacers managed to secure a 2-1 series lead with a 121-118 overtime victory.

Haliburton achieved a triple-double by scoring 18 points, making 16 assists, and grabbing 10 rebounds. Myles Turner was the top scorer for the team, contributing 29 points, followed by Pascal Siakam with 17 points, Andrew Nembhard with 16 points, and Obi Toppin with 15 points.

The fourth game is scheduled for Sunday evening at 6 p.m. Central Daylight Time (CDT).