Led by another outstanding performance from Tyrese Haliburton, the Indiana Pacers beat the Milwaukee Bucks Thursday in a thrilling 128-119 win in the NBA In-Season Tournament semifinal at T-Mobile Arena in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Pacers advance to Saturday night’s championship game to face the Los Angeles Lakers.
In what remained a close game from tip off, the Pacers took advantage of numerous opportunities, including strong performances by the second unit off the bench that outplayed Milwaukee. Even when Haliburton wasn’t on the court.
As the Bucks did go on an encouraging 25-9 run after halftime, the Pacers stayed resilient, even as the fourth quarter remained tight. Haliburton, who would finish the game with 27 points, was able to secure the victory for Indiana posting five of those points in the final minute and a half of regulation.
Since coming over from the Sacramento Kings in a blockbuster trade nearly two years ago in February 2022, Haliburton has emerged this season as not only the Pacers’ best player, but one of the best in the entire league. His playmaking ability has been instrumental for Indiana’s improvement this season, averaging 12.1 assists per game for best in the league among all players.
Up next, the Pacers face LeBron James and company after the Lakers cruised past the New Orleans Pelicans 133-89 to also advance to tomorrow night’s title game. The championship tips off at 8:30pm ET.
Although the In-Season Tournament doesn’t count toward the league’s regular season record, the winning team will be awarded the NBA Cup and each player will receive $500,000, while each player from the losing team will still take home $200,000.
The Pacers are hosting a watch party for fans at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in downtown Indianapolis Saturday night. Tickets are free and the event is general admission, the team announced.
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