The deck was stacked against the Milwaukee Bucks heading into Game 5 of their first-round series in the 2024 NBA Playoffs against the Indiana Pacers. Not only were the Bucks facing elimination down 3-1, but they were going to be shorthanded when taking the court.
Milwaukee has been without their superstar, Giannis Antetokounmpo, since he suffered a calf injury on April 9th against the Boston Celtics. It has been tough sledding without the former MVP, as he is integral to the team’s success on both ends of the court.
To make matters worse, the Bucks also lost NBA All-Star point guard Damian Lillard to an Achilles injury after Game 3. Both players sat out Game 4 and were to be sidelined for Game 5 as well.
Despite being underdogs at home, the Bucks picked up a huge 115-92 victory over the Pacers on Tuesday night. A soldout crowd provided the team with the necessary energy to get the job done as multiple players stepped up in the absence of their stars.
Leading the way were Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis, who each recorded double-doubles and scored 29 points. Middleton added 12 rebounds and five assists while Portis finished with 10 rebounds, one assist and one steal.
“We have to find a way to win, whatever it takes,” Middleton said. “We’re still confident. Our backs were up against the wall tonight, we had a great home crowd that got us going. So we’re going to have to find a way. That’s the only way to put it, find a way to get this next one and force a Game 7.”
While there is still work to do, this is a win that will live on forever. That is because, according to Matt Williams, a research producer for ESPN, via ESPN’s Malika Andrews, the Bucks are the first team in NBA Playoff history to with a game with their top two scorers from the regular season sidelined.
Everyone stepped up for Milwaukee on Tuesday night to pick up a huge win. The entire starting five scored in double-figures, as Tuesday’s performance was reminiscent of Game 1. The Bucks were able to control the tempo of the game, overwhelming the Pacers and taking home a historic victory.
The series will now shift back to Indianapolis for Game 6 on Thursday night. It will be another must-win game for the Bucks, who will be looking to force a Game 7 in Milwaukee over the weekend with potential reinforcements on the way.
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