Indiana Pacers Eliminate Milwaukee Bucks In Game 6 Blowout

The first-round series between the Indiana Pacers and Milwaukee Bucks has featured several blowouts. Playing Game 6 in Indianapolis on Thursday night, there was yet another one, but this time, it ended the series.

The Pacers picked up a dominant 120-98 victory in Game 6, eliminating their Central Division rivals from the 2024 NBA Playoffs. Indiana took full advantage of the circumstances, as Milwaukee was not at full strength throughout the series with Giannis Antetokounmpo not being able to play.

Not even the return of Damian Lillard in Game 6 was enough for the Bucks to avoid elimination for at least one more game. Lillard, who missed the previous two games with an Achilles issue, scored a game-high 28 points.

He, Brook Lopez, Bobby Portis and Khris Middleton combined to score 82 of the team’s 98 points, as the supporting cast didn’t offer as much support as they had in Game 5. On the flip side, Indiana received incredible performances from their role players.

Obi Toppin scored a playoff career-high 21 points off the bench, providing energy to go along with his eight rebounds and two assists. T.J. McConnell also scored 20 points off the bench while handing out nine assists with two rebounds and four steals.

“It means a lot,” McConnell said. “Not getting into the playoffs since the bubble, not being able to advance since 2014, we take great pride in being able to advance and extend our season. Milwaukee has a great team and, if I can be honest with you, I think our bench has taken a couple steps back competitive wise and I think tonight all of us went out there with the mentality we’re going to take it to another level.”

The bench duo was the leading scorers in the game for Indiana, as they cruised to the blowout win. Tyrese Haliburton recorded a double-double with 17 points and 10 rebounds, while Pascal Siakam chipped in 19.

The Bucks will now begin what could be a busy offseason. There is a ton of work to be done, as they weren’t a great team even when healthy since Doc Rivers took over as head coach. Will he remain in that role and what adjustments will be made to the roster?

As for the Pacers, they are advancing to the Eastern Conference Semifinals. They will be facing off against the New York Knicks, who eliminated the Philadelphia 76ers in their first-round matchup on Thursday night as well.