Pacers' Tyrese Haliburton wins playoff series after unfathomable Bucks mistake by Gary Trent Jr.
In a dramatic NBA playoff game, the Indiana Pacers secured a victory over the Milwaukee Bucks after an unexpected mistake by Gary Trent Jr. Despite playing an outstanding overtime, Trent Jr. mishandled a crucial pass, allowing Tyrese Haliburton to score a decisive layup for the Pacers' one-point win. This victory sends the Pacers to face the top-seeded Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference semifinals, while the Bucks face a challenging offseason filled with potential trade rumors about Giannis Antetokounmpo. The game was a stark illustration of the 'thrill of victory and the agony of defeat' as Trent Jr.'s slip overshadowed his otherwise stellar performance. The Pacers will aim to maintain their momentum against the Cavaliers, while the Bucks are left to ponder their unexpected playoff exit.
Gary Trent Jr. played a key role for the Milwaukee Bucks in overtime by hitting four critical three-pointers, putting them in a strong position to win the game and extend the series.
In a pivotal moment, as the Bucks attempted to evade a trap by the Pacers, a pass intended for Trent Jr. slipped through his hands and legs, leading to a crucial turnover.
Following the turnover, the Pacers, trailing by one point, capitalized on the opportunity by allowing Tyrese Haliburton to drive down the lane and score a game-winning layup.
This loss for the Bucks not only ended their playoff run but also initiated a period of uncertainty with rumors swirling about possible trades involving star player Giannis Antetokounmpo.
The game exemplified the classic sports narrative of triumph and heartbreak, as Trent Jr.'s error came at the most critical juncture despite his exceptional overall performance.
The Pacers' win sets them up for a challenging matchup against the Cleveland Cavaliers, the top seed in the Eastern Conference, as they seek to carry forward their winning momentum.
Milwaukee's unexpected early exit marks a tough conclusion to their season, prompting introspection and potential roster changes ahead of the next NBA season.
All the Milwaukee Bucks needed was for Gary Trent Jr. to catch the basketball.
He'd already played a heroic overtime, drilling four 3-pointers to send the Bucks on their way to extending the series with an OT win in Indiana.
But when the Bucks tried to break a Pacers trap and throw the ball to Trent near the left sideline, where Indiana surely would've fouled him, the ball slipped through his hands, and then through his legs.
The Pacers, down by a point, then called Tyrese Haliburton's number, and he soared through the lane for a driving layup and a one-point victory.
Moving on: Indiana. Going home: Milwaukee.
HALIBURTON GETS IT TO GO IN OVERTIME 😱
— SportsCenter (@SportsCenter) April 30, 2025
PACERS ELIMINATE THE BUCKS‼️ pic.twitter.com/JMv7XgJSrj
The Pacers will get the top-seed Cleveland Cavaliers in the Eastern Conference semifinals.
The Bucks will head into an offseason filled with Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors.
It's a brutal way for Milwaukee's season to end.
It's a momentum-seizing way for the Pacers to try and go upset the Cavs.
And it's a darn shame for Trent, who played one of the best games of his life only for it to literally slip through his hands at the most crucial moment.
Sports often features those cliches, the thrill of victory and agony of defeat.
On Tuesday night in Milwaukee, the Pacers and Bucks certainly fit both of those ends of the spectrum.