Giannis Antetokounmpo hit a game-winning 17-foot jumper at the buzzer to give the Milwaukee Bucks a 117-115 victory over the Indiana Pacers on Monday night at Gainbridge Fieldhouse. The two-time MVP finished with 33 points, 13 rebounds, and five assists, shooting 66.7% from the field.
The Bucks trailed by 11 points in the final six minutes before Aaron Nesmith’s layup tied the game at 115 with 14.6 seconds remaining. Antetokounmpo took control of the final possession and nailed the shot from the top of the key as time expired.
Myles Turner, facing his former team for the first time since signing with Milwaukee in July, recorded nine points, seven rebounds, and five blocks. Turner was booed throughout the night, including during a pregame tribute.
After the game, Antetokounmpo spoke about Turner’s experience. “Being able to play in the NBA, the average span on a player lifespan in the NBA is I think 4.5 years. He played 10 years of service in one franchise. To be able to come here in Indiana all time leading black um block leader to be booed. He might not say it. He kind of hurt,” Antetokounmpo said. He added that Turner’s commitment and leadership deserved respect, emphasizing the importance of supporting his teammate.
The Bucks forward also explained his own mindset on taking late-game shots. “You cannot leave if you don’t shoot it. I can go to sleep if I take the shot, miss the shot, come in the locker room and look at my guys in the eye like, ‘my bad, next I’m going to make the next one,’” Antetokounmpo said.
Kyle Kuzma added 15 points off the bench, and Gary Trent Jr. contributed 11 points in the win. Pascal Siakam led the Pacers with 32 points and eight assists, while Isaiah Jackson posted 21 points and 10 rebounds.
Antetokounmpo highlighted Turner’s impact on the Bucks’ late-game momentum. “He had the offensive rebound, the putback, and then the block on the perimeter. It gave us a lot of confidence down the stretch to win the game,” he said.
The Bucks shot 47.7% from the field and 42.6% from three-point range, while the Pacers went 29-for-38 from the free-throw line but struggled from deep at 24.2%. Milwaukee improved to 5-2, and Indiana fell to 1-6.
The Bucks face the Atlanta Hawks on Tuesday night to complete a back-to-back road set. The Pacers will return home to host the Brooklyn Nets on Wednesday.
