The Indiana Pacers defeated the Milwaukee Bucks in overtime, 121-118, in Game 3 of the first round of the Eastern Conference playoffs at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Friday. The Pacers now lead the series 2-1.

The Pacers pulled the upset in Game 2 and returned home tied at 1-1 in their first-round series against the Bucks. They took that upset to a whole new level Friday and secured a huge win at home to grab the series lead. It was a back-and-forth contest, where the Pacers enjoyed a dominant start and raced to a 39-22 lead in the first quarter. However, the Bucks worked hard to reduce the deficit and won the subsequent three quarters to force an extra five minutes. The game was tied down the stretch, and all signs pointed to another overtime period, but Tyrese Haliburton had other plans. The star floor general drained a 15-foot floater and also got the foul, ultimately hitting the free throw and icing the game to give Indiana a 2-1 lead in the series. Game 4 will be played at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Sunday.

Tyrese Haliburton led the Pacers with a triple-double, notching 18 points, 16 assists and 10 rebounds. Myles Turner was the Pacers' highest scorer, with 29 points and nine rebounds. Pascal Siakam added 17 points, nine boards and four assists. Andrew Nembhard had 16 points, five rebounds and four assists. Aaron Nesmith delivered 13 points, eight rebounds, three assists and three steals. Obi Toppin chipped in with 15 points coming off the bench.

Damian Lillard had 28 points and eight assists for Milwaukee. Khris Middleton notched 26 points and six rebounds. Bobby Portis started in place of Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) and finished with 17 points and 18 rebounds. Brook Lopez had 14 points, four rebounds and three assists.