Amid uncertain future of their star players, Milwaukee Bucks’ playoff run came to a heartbreaking end on Tuesday night. They were eliminated in a 119–118 overtime loss to the Indiana Pacers in Game 5. With just 40 seconds remaining in overtime, the Bucks appeared to be in control by holding a seven-point lead. But two crucial mistakes by Gary Trent Jr. flipped the outcome and left the Bucks stunned on their home floor.
NBA legend and analyst Charles Barkley didn’t hold back when addressing the final moments of the game on NBA on TNT. Barkley was visibly shocked and disappointed, especially by Gary Trent Jr.’s repeated errors in crunch time in Game 5.
“I don’t like to use the word ‘choke,’ but that was a choke. That was brutal. That was a choke job. Ain’t nothing you can say but that was a gag. That was a choke, choke, choke,” Barkley said.
Chuck couldn't BELIEVE the ending in Indiana 😳 pic.twitter.com/pP0wXrtAd9
— NBA on TNT (@NBAonTNT) April 30, 2025
Trent faltered under pressure at the worst possible time. His first turnover gave the Pacers hope. His second, with just 15 seconds left and the Bucks clinging to a one-point lead, sealed Milwaukee’s fate. The ball slipped through his fingers and into the hands of Indiana, who wasted no time.
Tyrese Haliburton made no mistake with the opportunity. He sliced through the defense for a game-winning layup that sent Indiana into the second round and the Bucks packing.
Gary Trent Jr. Shines In Career Night But Bucks Suffer Painful Exit
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Despite the heartbreak of a first-round playoff elimination, Gary Trent Jr. delivered one of the most electrifying performances of his career in Game 5 against the Indiana Pacers. The Milwaukee guard erupted for a 33 points, adding five rebounds, two assists, and a career-high five steals.
Trent shot 12-of-25 from the field and drained 8-of-17 from three-point range. Most notably, he caught fire late in the game, scoring 24 of his total points in the fourth quarter and overtime alone.
Yet even a historic personal night could not salvage the Bucks’ postseason hopes. The No. 5 seeded team in the East dropped the series 4-1. The final moments of Game 5 will likely linger in Milwaukee’s memory for months.
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