Khris Middleton and Bobby Portis each contributed 29 points to lead the undermanned Milwaukee Bucks to a convincing 115-92 win over the Indiana Pacers in Game 5 of their Eastern Conference first-round showdown.

Portis excelled with a 14 of 24 shooting performance along with 10 rebounds, while Middleton showcased his all-around game with 12 rebounds and five assists as the Bucks narrowed the series gap to 3-2.

Despite the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo (calf) and Damian Lillard (Achilles), Milwaukee exerted control over the game. Antetokounmpo has been sidelined for the entire series, while Lillard has missed the last two matchups.

For Indiana, Tyrese Haliburton netted 16 points, and Myles Turner added 13. Pascal Siakam and Andrew Nembhard both chipped in 12 points each.

The next clash, Game 6, is set for Thursday night in Indianapolis.

Joining Middleton in their scoring prowess, Malik Beasley contributed 18 points, sinking four 3-pointers. Patrick Beverley recorded a double-double with 13 points and 12 assists, while Brook Lopez added 12 points for the Bucks.

Milwaukee established their dominance by outscoring Indiana 64-36 in the second and third quarters combined.

The Bucks showed efficiency with a 52.4 percent field goal shooting, including 11 of 29 from beyond the arc.

The third quarter began with a 9-0 run by the Bucks, turning a slim lead into a commanding 62-48 advantage after Middleton’s driving layup.

Despite a brief surge from Indiana, the Bucks responded, with Lopez and Portis extending their lead to 72-57 midway through the third quarter.

With back-to-back 3-pointers from Beasley, Milwaukee widened the gap to 82-63 late in the third quarter.

Entering the final quarter with an 87-67 lead, the Bucks further extended their lead with Beasley’s three-pointer and Lopez’s layup, creating a 25-point margin with 11:07 remaining.

Although Indiana attempted a comeback, closing the gap to 18, Beasley quickly responded with a three-pointer, maintaining Milwaukee’s dominance at 97-76.

During an 8-0 run highlighted by Portis, the Bucks solidified their lead at 107-80 with 4:27 left in the game.

Indiana had a 44.4 percent shooting accuracy and hit 12 of 38 attempts from long range.

Middleton’s 17-point first-half performance propelled Milwaukee to a 53-48 lead at halftime, while Haliburton paced the Pacers with 11 points.

Although Indiana initially led by 10 in the first quarter, they settled for a 31-23 advantage by the end of the period.

In the second quarter, Milwaukee took control, outscoring the Pacers 30-17, with Beverley leading the charge with 12 points.