Pacers use 47 point 3rd quarter to beat Bucks 142 130 for 5th straight win

INDIANAPOLIS (AP) — Tyrese Haliburton’s stellar performance, scoring 31 points and providing 12 assists, propelled the Indiana Pacers to a commanding victory over Milwaukee, with a scoreline of 142 to 130 on Wednesday night. This marks the Pacers' fifth consecutive win and second triumph over the Bucks within three days. Bennedict Mathurin also contributed significantly with 16 points for Indiana. The victory ended Milwaukee’s 15 consecutive home game wins and took the Pacers to 4 1 against the Bucks this season. Giannis Antetokounmpo strived hard for Milwaukee with 26 points, 11 rebounds and eight assists, falling marginally short of his 4th triple-double of the season. Despite dealing with a sprained right wrist and a sore right knee, Khris Middleton managed to score 19 points and seven assists, while Damian Lillard added 23 points and five assists. The Central Division rivals have clashed five times within a span of 54 days, including the In-Season Tournament semifinal in Las Vegas. These matches have witnessed a combined scoring of at least 247 points, and also seen some high emotions and rough play. An unresolved issue about a missing game ball further heated up the rivalry, resulting in an unusual postgame incident last December where Antetokounmpo headed towards the Indiana locker room. Meanwhile, in Cleveland, the Cavaliers dominated over the Wizards by 140 to 101, thanks to Max Strus who scored 24 points. This marked Cleveland's highest scoring game of the season. Donovan Mitchell and Caris LeVert added 22 and 21 points respectively, while Jarrett Allen secured 17 points, 19 rebounds and seven assists. Kyle Kuzma managed 16 points for the Wizards. The teams are set to face each other again on Friday night in Cleveland.