Pacers beat Bucks 128-119 to advance to NBA In-Season Tournament final

The Indiana Pacers beаt the Milwaukee Bucks 128–119 on Thursday to make it to the championship game of the NBA’s first In-Season Tournament. Tyrese Haliburton scored 27 points in the win.

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) reacts while Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner, front right, defends during the first half of a semifinal game in the NBA basketball In-Season Tournament, Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)

They will play the winner of the second playoff between the Los Angeles Lakers and the New Orleans Pelicans on Saturday night.

Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) goes up for a basket past Indiana Pacers guard T.J. McConnell, top, during the first half of a semifinal game in the NBA basketball In-Season Tournament, Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)

Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) falls during the first half of a semifinal game against the Indiana Pacers in the NBA basketball In-Season Tournament, Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)

They got 26 more points from Myles Turner. Obi Toppin scored 14 points by making 6 of 8 shots, Isaiah Jackson added 11 points, and Bruce Brown added 10.

For Milwaukee, Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 37 points and grabbed 10 boards. Lillard scored 24 more points, Middleton scored 20, and Lopez scored 18.

Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard (0) goes up to shoot past Indiana Pacers forward Bruce Brown (11) during the first half of a semifinal game in the NBA basketball In-Season Tournament, Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)

Before the fourth quarter, the Pacers were down three points. But they went on a 14-8 run to take the lead and go on to win 105-102. A 21–13 run at the end of the game scored 17 points by Turner, Brown, and Haliburton.

The Bucks scored 146 points and made 23 of 38 3-pointers in a win over New York in the quarterfinals. They then made only 12 of 33 3-pointers and 43 of 96 shots from the field overall.

Milwaukee Bucks guard Cameron Payne (15) goes up to shoot past Indiana Pacers forward Isaiah Jackson (22) during the first half of a semifinal game in the NBA basketball In-Season Tournament, Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) goes up for a basket past Indiana Pacers guard Buddy Hield (7) during the first half of a semifinal game in the NBA basketball In-Season Tournament, Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) drives past Indiana Pacers center Myles Turner (33) during the first half of a semifinal game in the NBA basketball In-Season Tournament, Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) grabs a pass over Indiana Pacers forward Aaron Nesmith (23) during the first half of a semifinal game in the NBA basketball In-Season Tournament, Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dunks while Indiana Pacers forward Isaiah Jackson (22) defends during the first half of a semifinal game in the NBA basketball In-Season Tournament, Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)

Milwaukee Bucks forward Bobby Portis (9) shoots over Indiana Pacers forward Isaiah Jackson, right, during the first half of a semifinal game in the NBA basketball In-Season Tournament, Thursday, Dec. 7, 2023, in Las Vegas. (AP Photo/Ian Maule)

What’s next?

The Pacers play either the Lakers or the Pelicans in the tournament title game on Saturday night in Las Vegas.

Bucks: On Monday night, they play at home against Chicago.