Wait, did the Bucks get a "Strength In Numbers" win over Pacers?

01/05/2024 08:00

No Dame, no Giannis, no problem!

The Golden State Warriors built a dynasty off of amplifying role players to support their stars. Guys like Shaun Livingston, Marresse "Mo Buckets" Speights, and Leandro Barbosa accepted their bench roles with gusto, cheering on their teammates with joy, while putting in serious business on the court when their number was called. Some might even call it, "Strength In Numbers".

The Milwaukee Bucks got a little bit of that good juju when they won Game 5 against the Indiana Pacers in their first round matchup without their stars Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard. The 115-92 victory was fueled by 29 from former All-Star Khris Middleton, a scoring output that was matched by veteran forward Bobby Portis. All five starters scored in double figures for Milwaukee, including 18 points for Malik Beasley, 13 for Patrick Beverley, and 12 for Brook Lopez.

For Pacers' fans, this has to be a sickening loss. Their team could have closed out the series with a big road win over a limping, shorthanded opponent. Instead, the series is extended, which opens up the variables again. Can Indiana close this out before Lillard and the Greek Freak return? And will the Pacers avoid injuries and wear and tear of their own before the next round? Even if the Warriors aren't in it, these playoffs are must see TV!