08.12.2023
Milwaukee Bucks 119 - 128 Indiana Pacers
The Indiana Pacers beat the Milwaukee Bucks 128-119 to advance to the NBA in-season tournament final against the Lakers, with Tyrese Haliburton leading the way with 27 points and 15 assists. Indiana's bench outscored Milwaukee's reserves 43-13, with the Pacers averaging 132.6 points during the tournament. Giannis Antetokounmpo had 37 points for the Bucks, who struggled from 3-point range. The Pacers will face the Lakers in the championship game, while the Bucks will host Chicago next.
Los Angeles Lakers 133 - 89 New Orleans Pelicans
In a dominant performance, the Los Angeles Lakers routed the New Orleans Pelicans 133-89 to reach the championship game in the NBA In-Season Tournament. LeBron James led the way with 30 points, including three consecutive 3-pointers in the second quarter, while the Lakers' defense held the Pelicans to just 35.8% shooting. The Lakers will now face the Indiana Pacers in the tournament final, with James taking three charges in the semifinal game showcasing the team's defensive intensity. The Lakers have won three consecutive games and four of their past five, with coach Darvin Ham calling them "damn near unstoppable" with their recent focus, aggressiveness, and unselfish play. The championship game will not count in the regular-season standings, providing an exciting matchup for both teams.