Milwaukee Bucks emerged victorious in the most recent showdown of a heated Eastern Conference rivalry.
All accolades to Giannis Antetokounmpo.
In the initial contest between the Bucks and Pacers following Myles Turner’s move to Milwaukee, Antetokounmpo secured a 117-115 victory on Monday night with a game-winning buzzer-beater.
With under 10 seconds remaining on the clock in a tied 115-115 game, Antetokounmpo confronted Pascal Siakam just beyond the 3-point arc. Evading Siakam with a screen, he found himself defended by the comparatively smaller Aaron Nesmith after a defensive switch. Nesmith had little chance of stopping him.
Antetokounmpo maneuvered backward toward the free-throw line before executing a turnaround jumper from the elbow. The shot was executed flawlessly, dropping through the net as the final buzzer sounded, quieting the Gainbridge Fieldhouse audience.
Only a few moments prior, Nesmith had leveled the score by outmaneuvering Antetokounmpo, driving to the basket for a layup.
This basket concluded a comeback from a 106-94 Bucks advantage midway through the fourth quarter. However, Antetokounmpo ensured that the Bucks secured the final advantage and the triumph.
Antetokounmpo concluded the night with 33 points, 13 rebounds, 5 assists, and 2 steals, achieving a shooting accuracy of 14 out of 21 from the field. It was yet another exceptional performance from the two-time MVP, who entered Monday’s game averaging an NBA-leading 34.2 points, along with 13.4 rebounds, 7.2 assists, and 1.2 blocks per game, while maintaining a 68.4% field goal percentage.
This level of production aligns with MVP caliber, and it is not mere statistical padding. With Monday’s victory, the Bucks improved their record to 5-2, asserting themselves as contenders in a highly competitive Eastern Conference.
