The Indiana Pacers claimed a thrilling victory over the Milwaukee Bucks on Tuesday night, overcoming a late deficit for a 119-118 win.

In the dying moments of overtime, the Pacers capitalized on two turnovers from the Bucks, with Tyrese Haliburton driving in for the decisive layup, clinching the series 4-1.

For the second consecutive year, the Pacers eliminated the Bucks in the first round and are set to face the Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference semifinals.

Haliburton recorded 26 points and 10 assists, maintaining an impressive home playoff record with a 9-0 tally. The game concluded with a skirmish after Haliburton’s father provoked an altercation with Giannis Antetokounmpo at midcourt.

Antetokounmpo, a two-time MVP, fought valiantly for a depleted Bucks, finishing with 30 points, 20 rebounds, and 13 assists. Gary Trent Jr. made an impressive eight 3-pointers, netting 33 points for Milwaukee.

However, Trent was involved in the critical turnovers in overtime, leading to a key three-point play by Haliburton and subsequently losing possession when the Bucks were poised to score.

The final moments saw Haliburton’s clutch shot sealing the game, leaving the Bucks scrambling to respond, but their last second attempt fell short.

Myles Turner contributed with 21 points and nine rebounds, while Aaron Nesmith added 19 points and 12 rebounds for the Pacers, and Nembhard’s 15 points sparked the closing run.

To fill the gaps from injuries, Bucks coach Doc Rivers adjusted the starting lineup, but the Bucks suffered their third straight early playoff exit.

“I’m not going to do this,” Antetokounmpo remarked when questioned about his chances for a second championship with Milwaukee. “I wish I was still playing. I wish I was still competing and going back out there.”