(Indianapolis) Bennedict Mathurin collected 26 points and the Indiana Pacers had the last word 126-124 in front of the Milwaukee Bucks, despite a 54-point evening for Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Mathurin has 48 points over two games, 17 more than the total from his previous four games.
The Montrealer also had 11 rebounds, a steal and a block.
The steal in question came at the expense of the “Greek Freak,” with 30 seconds left and the Pacers leading 122-121.
With eight seconds on the clock, the Quebecer added two free throws. Khris Middleton missed a three-point shot and Bruce Brown went for free throws, before a long-range success from Middleton. Time ran out and Indiana was able to enjoy a third victory in a row.
Tyrese Haliburton also excelled with 29 points, including the long-range shot that made the score 122-121 in favor of his team.
Indiana squandered an 18-point cushion before closing a 10-point gap in the final quarter.
Antetokounmpo finished the match one point short of his personal best.
He also grabbed 12 rebounds for the Bucks, who were trying to win their fourth straight game.
Middleton had 19 points.
Damian Lillard did not play, injured in his right calf.
Myles Turner had 21 points for the Pacers, whose three-point shooting rate was 41.7 percent (20 for 48).
The Pacers will be back in action Sunday night at home against the Philadelphia 76ers.
