Bobby Portis, who had previously apologized to his team for his ejection in Game 4, stepped up tremendously in Game 5 to help the Milwaukee Bucks extend their 2023-24 NBA campaign with a 115-92 win over the Indiana Pacers.
This pivotal game, played Tuesday night, saw both Portis and Khris Middleton score 29 points each, keeping the Bucks’ playoff hopes alive in the absence of stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard.
The series now stands at 3-2 in favor of Indiana, with Game 6 set for Thursday in Indianapolis. Portis is already gearing up for the hostile environment, saying, “Thursday will be fun. I can hear some ‘Bobby Sucks!’ chants. I’m ready, man. I’m fired up. I’m already ready for it.”
Despite the enthusiasm at Fiserv Forum, where fans chanted “Bucks In Seven,” the Bucks were without Antetokounmpo, who has missed the entire series with a calf strain since April 9, and Lillard, who sat out his second straight game due to an Achilles injury sustained in Game 3.
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Bobby Portis, Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers Updates
When asked about their potential return, Bucks coach Doc Rivers could only express hope, stating, “I don’t know how to answer that. I know I hope. I think they’re very, very, very close.”
Antetokounmpo ran on the court for the first time since his injury during a Sunday workout, which went well, according to Bucks coach Doc Rivers. However, leading up to Game 5, Antetokounmpo was limited to light activities.
“Did some shooting,” Rivers said before Tuesday’s game. “Did more after I left, so I didn’t really see it.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Bobby Portis, Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers Updates
Lillard, meanwhile, was seen putting up shots and moving cautiously around the court during his usual warm-up time on Tuesday morning. He had recently shed the walking boot from his right foot, which he wore after re-aggravating his Achilles injury in Game 3. Rivers noted that Lillard did not engage in a full workout on Tuesday.
Portis, reflecting on his ejection in Game 4, shared his regrets and determination to make up for it.
“I maybe crossed the line, you feel me, and let my team down by getting ejected and not being available for my team,” Portis said. “I pride myself so much on being available.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Bobby Portis, Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers Updates
His redemption came in the form of his highest playoff point total ever, complemented by 10 rebounds. Middleton also played a key role, continuing his scoring streak with at least 25 points for the third straight game, along with 12 rebounds and five assists.
The game took a decisive turn in the second quarter sparked by Pat Beverley, whose playmaking and energy shifted the momentum. Beverley’s highlight was a three-point play that not only thrilled the crowd but also cemented the Bucks’ lead.
“I thought Pat Beverley was fantastic,” Rivers remarked. “His scoring was good, but I thought his playmaking was unbelievable tonight.”
Pacers coach Rick Carlisle took responsibility for Indiana’s underperformance, stating, “We just didn’t play with the consistent compete level we needed to. I’ll take responsibility for that. I didn’t have these guys ready the way they needed to be ready to play this game.”
NBA NEWS & RUMORS: Bobby Portis, Milwaukee Bucks, Indiana Pacers Updates
With the Bucks now trying to become the first team in franchise history to win a series after trailing 3-1, and the Pacers aiming to advance beyond the first round for the first time since 2014, the upcoming Game 6 in Indianapolis promises to be a dramatic continuation of this fiercely contested series.
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