Indiana Pacers eliminate Bucks after epic overtime comeback

The night of Tuesday, April 29, 2025, will forever be remembered in Indianapolis. Gainbridge Fieldhouse witnessed one of the most thrilling comebacks in recent NBA Playoff history . The Indiana Pacers , led by inspirational Tyrese Haliburton , defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 119-118 in overtime , securing their spot in the Eastern Conference semifinals .

What seemed like a sporting tragedy for the home team turned into a tale of overcoming, strategy, and character. Indiana trailed by 20 points , but refused to give up. With a solid defense, surgical execution in key moments, and the courage of those who don't believe in the impossible, the Pacers rewrote the narrative of the game and the series.

There were just 40 seconds left in overtime. The scoreboard showed a discouraging 118-111 in favor of Milwaukee. But then began the most memorable 8-0 run of the season . A three-pointer, a precise defensive play, a Haliburton layup with 1.3 seconds left … and the miracle was accomplished.

The crowd exploded. The benches rose. And the Bucks were paralyzed. Indiana closed out the series 4-1 , with a result few anticipated.

Tyrese Haliburton, with 26 points , not only led the Pacers' offense, but also embodied the team's competitive spirit . His composure in the final minutes was key to turning around a game that seemed lost.

At his side, Myles Turner contributed 21 points , in addition to an imposing presence in the paint, key to stopping the attacks of Giannis Antetokounmpo , who finished with 30 points, and Gary Trent , the Bucks' top scorer with 33.

The start of the game was a tough one for Indiana. The Bucks came out aggressively and took a 33-13 lead in the second quarter. The lead seemed insurmountable. However, Indiana began to rally, outscoring Milwaukee 28-17 in the second quarter and narrowing the gap to just six points at halftime.

The score changed hands 13 times throughout the match. Defensive intensity, strategic adjustments, and individual talent made this game a gem of modern basketball .

With this win, the Pacers advance to the Eastern Conference semifinals , where they'll face a motivated Cleveland Cavaliers team , who eliminated the Miami Heat . A tough, physical, and exciting series is expected between two young, ambitious, and rising teams.

The narrative has completely changed for Indiana. From being considered "underdogs," they're now the center of attention, with Haliburton cementing himself as one of the great leaders of these playoffs.

For their part, the Milwaukee Bucks are saying goodbye to a season marked by inconsistency . Despite the efforts of Giannis and Trent, the team failed to maintain its lead or manage critical moments. Their first-round exit is a tough blow for a franchise with championship aspirations .

The Bucks' immediate future is uncertain. Changes are expected in both the coaching staff and the roster, while fans demand a rebuild that will restore the team's lost prominence.

What Indiana achieved isn't just a victory. It's a statement. It's the message of a team that refuses to settle and is willing to defy expectations. A night that began with doubt ended with applause, hope, and dreams more alive than ever.

The Pacers are no longer just a promise. They're a reality. And the NBA knows it.