Pacers Edge Bucks 119–118 in OT to Win Series 4–1​

INDIANAPOLIS — In a dramatic Game 5 finish that pushed the Indiana Pacers into the Eastern Conference semifinals, Tyrese Haliburton not only delivered the decisive blow on the hardwood, but also found himself managing headlines that extended far beyond the baseline.

Haliburton scored 26 points and dished out 11 assists Tuesday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse, including the game-winning layup with just 1.1 seconds remaining in overtime, as the Pacers edged the Milwaukee Bucks 119–118. Indiana’s victory sealed a 4–1 first-round series win and set up a second-round clash with the Cleveland Cavaliers.

“We kept believing,” Haliburton said postgame. “Even when we were down late in overtime, the message in the huddle was just to get one stop, one bucket, and then do it again.”

Giannis Antetokounmpo, who returned from a calf injury to post a dominant 30-point, 20-rebound, 13-assist triple-double, could not lift Milwaukee to a win. The Bucks led by seven in the extra period before Indiana stormed back behind Haliburton’s poise and Pascal Siakam’s timely shooting.

But the basketball brilliance soon gave way to off-court controversy.

In the moments after the final buzzer, Haliburton’s father, John Haliburton, approached the court waving a towel emblazoned with his son’s image and reportedly shouted profanities at Antetokounmpo. The two-time MVP did not let the slight pass unnoticed.

“I just said it’s unacceptable,” Antetokounmpo told reporters when asked about the confrontation. “I understand supporting your son, but there’s a line that shouldn’t be crossed, especially with family members getting into it on the court. It’s not respectful to the game.”

The confrontation, which momentarily overshadowed one of the Pacers’ biggest wins in years, quickly drew national attention. Tyrese Haliburton, when shown video of the incident later, expressed disapproval.

“I don’t agree with what transpired there from him,” he said. “Basketball is basketball. Let’s keep it on the court.”

John Haliburton later issued a public apology via social media, stating, “This was not a good reflection on our sport or my son, and I will not make that mistake again.”

No disciplinary action from the league has been announced regarding the incident. However, the NBA is reportedly reviewing footage and postgame reports before determining if further steps are necessary.

Indiana, now surging with momentum, turns its focus to a Cavaliers team fresh off their own first-round win. But as the series opens, all eyes will also be on how the Pacers manage the glare that has followed their unexpected playoff run — both on and off the court.