After a 10-year hiatus, the Pacers advanced to the conference semifinals

The last time the Pacers were among the top four teams in the Eastern Conference was in 2014, when they played in the Eastern Finals, where they lost to the Miami Heat.

This time, the Pacers did not have a home court advantage against the Bucks, but the injuries to the rival leaders Gianni Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard allowed the Indianapolis team to gain a tangible lead in the series.

Giannis missed all six games of the series, including the final one, and Lillard returned after missing two games to score 28 points, but it was not enough.

The Pacers took a double-digit lead in the first half (29:19), and enjoyed an even bigger lead (59:45) in the second half.

The Bucks tried to stir up intrigue after a long break (56:63), but the Indiana team not only kept the lead, but also ended the half with 8 points without an answer and pulled away 93-78.

Bucks did not have enough strength to climb a high mountain in the fourth quarter, and the difference between the teams quickly reached 20 points.

The Pacers were led by two players who came off the bench – Obi Toppin and TJ McConnell scored 21 and 20 points, respectively, and were the most productive in their team. It was the best performance of their playoff careers for both players.

In points scored by the reserves, Indiana dominated by as much as 50-10.

Milwaukee has been eliminated in the first round of the playoffs for the second consecutive season, despite being seeded higher in the regular season and having home field advantage both times. Last year, the Bucks lost 1-4 to the Miami Heat, but they also played without the injured G. Antetokounmpo for part of the game.

The Pacers will face the New York Knicks, who also defeated the Philadelphia 76ers 4-2, in the conference semifinals.

Pacers: Obi Toppin 21 (8 rpg), TJ McConnell 20 (9 rpg), Pascal Siakam 19 (7 rpg), Tyrese Haliburton 17 (2/10 trg, 10 rpg). ), Aaron Nesmith 15, Andrew Nembhard 14.

Bucks: Damian Lillard 28 (4/12 treys, 10/10 free), Brook Lopez and Bobby Portis (15 rpg) 20 each, Khris Middleton 14 (8 rpg).