The Indiana Pacers have taken a 3-1 series lead over the Milwaukee Bucks in the 2025 NBA Playoffs, delivering a stunning performance that has surprised fans and analysts alike. Game 4, played on April 28, 2025, saw the Pacers overpower the Bucks with a commanding 129-103 victory, inching them closer to advancing to the next round. With the series now shifting back to Milwaukee, the Bucks are facing elimination, needing a strong performance in Game 5 to stay alive.
This article will break down the key player stats, performances, and critical moments from Game 4, offering insights into what worked for the Pacers and where the Bucks faltered. Let’s dive into the details of this impactful matchup.
Game 4 Overview
Final Score: Indiana Pacers 129, Milwaukee Bucks 103
Game 4 at Fiserv Forum in Milwaukee was a must-win for both teams, with the Pacers leading the series 2-1. The Pacers came out strong, dominating the game from the start with their high-scoring offense and solid defense. Eight players contributed double-digit points, showcasing their depth and offensive efficiency.
Key Moments:
- Myles Turner’s Impact: Turner was a force on both ends, scoring 23 points, grabbing 9 rebounds, and recording 4 blocks. His defensive presence and scoring were crucial to the Pacers’ success.
- Tyrese Haliburton’s Playmaking: Haliburton orchestrated the offense with 15 assists while also contributing 17 points and 8 rebounds. His ability to facilitate and score made him a key factor in the Pacers’ offensive rhythm.
- Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Effort: Despite a stellar 28 points and 15 rebounds from Giannis, the Bucks couldn’t overcome their lack of depth. The absence of a healthy Damian Lillard further hampered their chances.
With this victory, the Pacers now hold a 3-1 lead in the series, putting them one game away from advancing to the Eastern Conference Semifinals.
Playoff Implications:
- The Pacers are on the verge of advancing to the next round.
- The Bucks, facing elimination, will need a big win in Game 5 to keep their playoff hopes alive.
Venue:
- Location: Fiserv Forum, Milwaukee
Player Stats Breakdown for Game 4
The individual performances played a significant role in the Pacers’ dominant win. Here are the key stats for players from both teams in Game 4:
Pacers Key Performers:
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals | Blocks | FG% | 3P% | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Myles Turner | 23 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 4 | 60% | 0% | 32 |
| Tyrese Haliburton | 17 | 8 | 15 | 1 | 0 | 50% | 40% | 36 |
| Andrew Nembhard | 20 | 3 | 5 | 2 | 0 | 66.7% | 66.7% | 31 |
| Pascal Siakam | 15 | 7 | 3 | 3 | 0 | 57.1% | 50% | 35 |
Bucks Key Performers:
| Player | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals | Blocks | FG% | 3P% | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Giannis Antetokounmpo | 28 | 15 | 6 | 1 | 2 | 55% | 25% | 40 |
| Damian Lillard | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD | TBD |
| Bobby Portis | 12 | 10 | 2 | 1 | 0 | 46% | 25% | 29 |
Head-to-Head Player Comparisons
Key Matchups:
- Haliburton vs. Lillard: Haliburton’s 15 assists and all-around performance played a crucial role, while Lillard’s injury limited his usual impact on the game. Haliburton’s leadership helped push the Pacers ahead.
- Turner vs. Lopez: Turner’s dominant performance (23 points, 9 rebounds, 4 blocks) kept Lopez from making a significant impact. Lopez finished with just 8 points and 5 rebounds.
- Siakam vs. Antetokounmpo: Siakam’s solid 15 points and 7 rebounds complemented the Pacers’ efforts, while Giannis’ 28-point, 15-rebound performance wasn’t enough to overcome the team’s lack of depth.
Statistical Trends:
- Pacers’ Three-Point Shooting: The Pacers excelled from beyond the arc, hitting 42% of their threes, while the Bucks struggled at just 24.3%.
- Bucks’ Dependence on Giannis: Giannis’ individual brilliance wasn’t enough to carry the Bucks, who lacked offensive support throughout the game.
Series-Long Player Stats (2025 Playoffs)
Here’s a look at the cumulative stats from the first four games of the series, highlighting the standout performers for each team.
Pacers:
- Pascal Siakam: 24.7 PTS, 8.3 REB, 60% FG
- Tyrese Haliburton: 19.3 PTS, 11.7 AST
- Myles Turner: 20.0 PTS, 4.0 BLK
Bucks:
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: 36.3 PTS, 14.3 REB, 61% FG
- Damian Lillard: Stats TBD due to injury
Team Averages:
| Team | Points | Rebounds | Assists | Steals | Blocks | FG% | 3P% | Minutes Played |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pacers (Avg.) | 20.6 | 7.0 | 6.2 | 1.3 | 1.4 | 49% | 38% | 32.1 |
| Bucks (Avg.) | 28.2 | 11.0 | 5.5 | 1.3 | 1.8 | 53% | 31% | 35.2 |
Historical Head-to-Head Stats
Although the Bucks lead the all-time regular season series with a 118-97 record, the Pacers have had recent playoff success.
Recent Meetings:
- Nov 22, 2024: Bucks 129–117 (Giannis 37 PTS, Haliburton 18 PTS)
- Dec 31, 2024: Bucks 120–112 (Giannis 30 PTS, Siakam 20 PTS)
- March 15, 2025: Bucks 126–119 (Lillard 25 PTS, Nesmith 30 PTS)
Playoff History:
- The Pacers defeated the Bucks 4-2 in the 2024 playoffs.
Expert Analysis and Insights
Pacers’ Strengths:
- Balanced Scoring: The Pacers’ depth has been key, with multiple players stepping up and contributing in every game. In Game 4, eight players scored in double digits.
- Defensive Prowess: The Pacers have been exceptional defensively, limiting the Bucks’ three-point shooting and controlling the paint.
Bucks’ Challenges:
- Lillard’s Injury: The calf injury to Lillard has hindered his effectiveness, which has impacted the Bucks’ offensive flow.
- Shooting Woes: Milwaukee’s struggles from beyond the arc have been a consistent problem, further complicating their offensive game.
Game-Changing Plays:
- Turner’s Clutch Shot in Game 1: A critical late three-pointer helped the Pacers gain momentum in the series.
- Giannis’s Highlight Block and Dunk in Game 3: A spectacular play that showcased Giannis’ drive, but was insufficient for a Bucks victory.
Quotes:
- Tyrese Haliburton: “We bounced back strong.”
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: “We didn’t have enough urgency.”
Fan Reactions and Social Media Buzz
Social media has been abuzz with reactions as the Pacers near elimination of the Bucks. Fans have applauded the Pacers for their teamwork, while others have pointed to the lack of support around Giannis.
Social Media Reactions:
- Twitter Trends: #PacersForTheWin, #GiannisMVP
- Reddit Threads: Discussions have centered on Lillard’s injury and the Pacers’ surprising dominance.
In conclusion, the Pacers have solidified their position in the series with a dominant 129-103 victory over the Bucks in Game 4. With strong performances from Myles Turner, Tyrese Haliburton, and others, the Pacers are one win away from advancing. Meanwhile, the Bucks will need a significant effort in Game 5 to stay in the series.
Jared H. Furness is a well-known sports analyst and writer. He is known for his skill in player stats in sports like football, basketball, and baseball. Jared has a sharp eye for detail and a passion for uncovering stories behind the numbers. He is known for writing detailed, SEO-friendly articles. They attract both fans and professionals.
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