SUMMARY
- The Milwaukee Bucks just beat the Indiana Pacers 115-92 to win Game 5.
- Patrick Beverley brought back one of his famous celebrations after scoring against Tyrese Haliburton.
The Milwaukee Bucks beat the Indiana Pacers without Damian Lillard or Giannis Antetokounmpo. The two superstars are currently on the sidelines with major injuries and their appearance for Game 6 is still a huge question mark. The Bucks managed to win 115-92 in Game 5, mainly because of Bobby Portis Jr. and Patrick Beverley. It hasn’t been often when these two players stepped up for their team, but they have done so when needed the most. Khris Middleton also scored 29 points and made 12 rebounds.
Bobby Portis made 29 points and 10 rebounds on the night, shooting 14-24 at 58.3%. Beverley on the other hand, proved his worth on defense and made sure to keep the door closed on Tyrese Haliburton and the talented youngsters of the Pacers.
Patrick Beverley haunts Tyrese Halliburton with famous celebration
It is no secret that Pat Bev has never held back from celebrating against his opponents. The guard has infuriated players with his antics, but it doesn’t look like he’s stopping anytime soon. Beverley drove to the rim in the second quarter after getting past Haliburton with a spin move. The Pacers star was rooted to his spot and failed to keep Beverley at bay. The former Lakers player then went on to make the layup but what happened after that caught the eyes of fans.
After scoring the point, Beverley brought back the ‘Too Small’ celebration, alongside Portis. He has done this in the past, even with the biggest stars. His victim list includes LeBron James, and Jaylen Brown as well.
Late night Pat Bev highlights 👀
13 points
12 assists
71% TSOutplayed Tyrese Haliburton 🔥
(🎥 @Digits3App )
— NBACentral (@TheDunkCentral) May 1, 2024
Haliburton had a tough night, making only 16 points. His FG% was 42.9, but he only made 6 out of the 14 shots he attempted from inside the three-point line. That’s unlike the Pacers star, and he didn’t have luck with the three-pointers as well, shooting 4 10. The Pacers had an off night in the scoring department as a whole, or we could say that the Bucks’ defense was on point.
Bucks coach offers an update on Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard
Bucks’ head coach Doc Rivers has weighed in on the return dates of the superstars. He said, “I don’t know how to answer that. I know I hope. I think they’re very, very, very close.”
Doc Rivers, on the potential returns of Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard:
“I don’t know how to answer that. I know I hope. I think they’re very, very, very close.”
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) May 1, 2024
Bucks fans will not be happy to find out that the return timelines of their stars are still in doubt. After all, the franchise will have to make sure both Giannis and Dame are 100% fit before they can set foot on the court once again. If rushed, their injuries can be aggravated and their careers could be placed in long-term risk. That’s understandably why the franchise hasn’t urged them to return as soon as they’ve recovered.
Giannis suffered a calf injury and is still unlikely to return for the series against the Pacers. Dame, on the other, has aggravated his Achilles injury and we do not know when he could be coming back. Some reports claim that both of them could be back for Game 6, and that’s still unofficial, however. With that said, only time will tell whether the Bucks can get past the Pacers without their best players.