The Indiana Pacers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 4-1 in the 2024-25 NBA Playoffs. Let’s break down how they did it — using stats, game analysis, and key player performances.
Key Takeaways
- Pacers won the series 4-1, advancing to face the Cleveland Cavaliers,
- Tyrese Haliburton was the clutch performer in Game 5, scoring the game-winner in overtime,
- Pascal Siakam led Indiana in scoring across the series,
- Giannis Antetokounmpo averaged 33.8 points and 14.3 rebounds but couldn’t carry the Bucks past Game 5,
- Indiana outperformed Milwaukee in assists, steals, and blocks, while Milwaukee had the edge in rebounding and 3-point shooting.
Game-by-Game Statistical Recap
Let’s dig into each game’s key stats and moments:
Game 1: Pacers 117, Bucks 98
- Top Performer: Pascal Siakam (25 points)
- Indiana shot better, passed better, and defended better. It was a statement win.
Game 2: Pacers 123, Bucks 115
- Siakam and Haliburton combined to provide an efficient offense.
- Indiana’s ball movement (29 assists) outshined Milwaukee’s isolation-heavy attack.
Game 3: Bucks 117, Pacers 101
- Giannis and Trent Jr. both scored 37 points.
- Milwaukee shot 50% from the floor and controlled the pace.
Game 4: Pacers 129, Bucks 103
- Myles Turner led with 23 points.
- Indiana’s defense held the Bucks to just 103 points and forced 15 turnovers.
Game 5: Pacers 119, Bucks 118 (OT)
- Tyrese Haliburton scored 26 points and hit the game-winner.
- Gary Trent Jr. hit eight 3-pointers and finished with 33 points.
- Indiana overcame a 17-point deficit and outscored Milwaukee 106-88 after the first quarter.
Key Player Performances and Series Averages
For the Indiana Pacers, Tyrese Haliburton averaged 15.5 points, 12.3 assists, and 6.8 rebounds per game. He emerged as the Game 5 hero, especially noted for clutch free throws that sealed the win. Pascal Siakam led the team in scoring with 22.3 points per game and contributed 6.5 rebounds per contest, anchoring the offensive effort throughout the series.
Myles Turner added 15.8 points per game and was a defensive presence with an average of 2.8 blocks. Aaron Nesmith played a vital role with his efficiency, averaging 13.8 points while shooting an impressive 52.4% from three-point range.
On the Milwaukee Bucks side, Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered dominant performances with averages of 33.8 points, 14.3 rebounds, and 5.0 assists per game. He recorded a triple-double in Game 5, showcasing his all-around game. Gary Trent Jr. chipped in with 15.3 points per game and shot a strong 51.9% from beyond the arc. Kevin Porter Jr. contributed 11.3 points, 3.8 rebounds, and 5.0 assists, serving as a solid secondary playmaker. Despite high expectations and favorable Bucks odds to win, Indiana’s balanced team approach and depth ultimately proved too much for Milwaukee over the five-game series.
Team-Level Statistical Comparison
When comparing the two teams across core statistics, Indiana had a slight advantage in several key areas. The Pacers averaged 117.4 points per game compared to Milwaukee’s 115.5. They also led in assists with 29.2 per game, reflecting their superior ball movement, while the Bucks posted 25.5.
The field goal percentages were nearly identical, with Indiana shooting 48.79% and Milwaukee at 48.64%. Although Milwaukee edged Indiana in rebounds per game at 43.4 to 41.8, the Pacers compensated with advantages in steals (8.46 to 7.33) and blocks (5.46 to 4.68). From beyond the arc, the Bucks had a higher three-point percentage at 38.66% versus Indiana’s 36.84%. However, Indiana excelled at the free throw line, converting 78.90% of their attempts compared to Milwaukee’s 74.99%. These numbers highlight Indiana’s edge in team play and defensive activity, which proved decisive.
Coaching and Lineup Decisions
Indiana head coach Rick Carlisle made several strategic moves that paid off. He managed player rotations effectively to keep the team fresh, and the return of Bennedict Mathurin in Game 5 added much-needed depth.
Carlisle’s decision to entrust Haliburton with late-game control of the offense proved instrumental in the Pacers’ success. On the other bench, Bucks coach Adrian Griffin implemented major lineup changes in Game 5, opting to start AJ Green and Bobby Portis. Unfortunately, Milwaukee suffered from injuries, most notably the absence of Damian Lillard, which significantly limited their playmaking options. Overall, coaching adjustments throughout the series favored Indiana, particularly in crunch-time scenarios and overtime play.
Advanced Analytics and Efficiency Metrics
Advanced stats further illustrate how Indiana gained the upper hand. Offensively, the Pacers posted a higher rating, thanks to superior ball movement and effective spacing. Although Giannis had the highest usage rate in the series, both Haliburton and Siakam were more efficient in their roles.
In terms of Player Efficiency Rating (PER), Giannis stood out as the most dominant player, but he lacked sufficient support. Siakam contributed significantly on both ends, while Haliburton’s performance was defined by his high assist-to-turnover ratio, exceeding 3:1. As seen in many statistical NBA game breakdowns, clutch time—defined as the final five minutes of games within five points—proved decisive, with Indiana outscoring Milwaukee 18-15 across the series. Haliburton’s late-game free throws and precise passing were vital in securing wins during those critical moments.
How Indiana Seized the Series
From Game 1’s dominant start to Haliburton’s Game 5 heroics, the Indiana Pacers took control of this series with poise, precision, and a deep roster that consistently delivered. While Giannis Antetokounmpo put up staggering individual numbers, Milwaukee’s imbalanced attack and limited depth couldn’t overcome Indiana’s cohesive execution.
In the end, the stats told the story: Indiana shared the ball better, defended more actively, and showed greater resilience under pressure.
The Pacers didn’t just win — they earned it, outplaying Milwaukee on nearly every meaningful level. Now, they shift focus to the Cleveland Cavaliers, where an even greater challenge awaits.
If Indiana continues to play with this level of intensity and intelligence, don’t be surprised if their playoff run is just getting started.
HoopSocial
Independent basketball blog covering all things NBA, WNBA, College Hoops, Draft, and Betting. Follow us on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok, YouTube, and listen to HoopSocial Podcasts anywhere you get your shows!