Giannis Antetokounmpo buried a 17-foot jumper at the buzzer to give the Milwaukee Bucks a 117-115 win over the Indiana Pacers on Monday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse.
The two-time MVP powered Milwaukee with 33 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists, shooting 66.7% from the field. It marked the Bucks’ third win in their last four games, improving their record to 5-2, while Indiana dropped to 1-6.
Antetokounmpo’s heroics came after the Pacers erased an 11-point deficit in the final six minutes. Aaron Nesmith’s layup tied the score at 115 with 14.6 seconds left, but Antetokounmpo took the final possession, isolated at the top of the key, and sank the game-winner as time expired.
Milwaukee forward Kyle Kuzma added 15 points off the bench, while Myles Turner—facing his former team for the first time since signing with the Bucks in July—recorded nine points, seven rebounds, and five blocks. Turner was booed throughout the night, including during a pregame video tribute.
Pascal Siakam led Indiana with 32 points and eight assists, and Isaiah Jackson delivered a strong performance in Turner’s old starting role, posting 21 points and 10 rebounds on 8-for-12 shooting.
The game featured playoff-level intensity between the Central Division rivals. Indiana had eliminated Milwaukee in each of the past two postseasons, and Monday’s matchup carried that same tension from the opening tip.
The Bucks opened the second half on a 10-2 run, stretching their lead to 87-76 late in the third quarter. However, Siakam and Jarace Walker led a late Pacers rally that set up the dramatic finish.
Milwaukee shot 47.7% from the field and 42.6% from beyond the arc, with AJ Green hitting four three-pointers in a supporting role. Indiana countered with aggressive rebounding and frequent trips to the line, going 29-for-38 from free throws but shooting only 24.2% from deep.
Antetokounmpo’s decisive jumper not only secured the win but also continued his streak of dominant early-season performances. He has now scored at least 30 points in five of Milwaukee’s seven games.
The Bucks will face the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night, completing a back-to-back road set. The Pacers return home to host the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday as they search for their second win of the season.
