Bucks Hold Off Pacers in Playoff Race Showdown

Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard lead Milwaukee to a 126-119 win, securing a critical tiebreaker over Indiana in the Eastern Conference standings.

Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 34 points and grabbed 10 rebounds before fouling out late in the fourth quarter, helping the Bucks maintain their lead against a surging Pacers team.
The Bucks' victory gives them a 3-1 season series edge over the Pacers, securing the head-to-head tiebreaker in the race for home-court advantage in the playoffs.
Damian Lillard contributed 25 points, including six three-pointers, while Taurean Prince sealed the game with clutch free throws and a career-high five steals.
The Pacers, led by Aaron Nesmith’s career-high 30 points and Pascal Siakam’s 26, nearly erased a 21-point fourth-quarter deficit but fell short in the final seconds.
This budding rivalry, fueled by recent playoff clashes and dramatic finishes, could see another chapter if the teams meet in the postseason.