Mathurin’s Late Foul Costs Pacers in Playoff Game Against Bucks

Milwaukee, WI — In a crucial moment of the playoff game between the Milwaukee Bucks and the Indiana Pacers, Bennedict Mathurin committed a foul that altered the game’s momentum. The incident occurred at the end of the third quarter, as time was winding down.

Mathurin was closely guarding Kevin Porter Jr. when Porter Jr. took a shot that missed badly. Despite the errant attempt, officials called a shooting foul on Mathurin after he made contact with Porter Jr.’s arm. This shocking decision resulted in three free throws for the Bucks with just 0.8 seconds left on the clock.

The 21-year-old rookie Mathurin was visibly stunned by the referee’s call. His expression mirrored disbelief, with his eyes widening in reaction to the foul being assessed.

Porter Jr. stepped to the free-throw line and managed to sink two of the three attempts, which tied the game as the teams entered the fourth quarter. At that point, the Bucks were trailing 3-1 in the series and desperately needed a win to keep their playoff hopes alive.

The foul not only showcased the tension of playoff basketball but also put additional pressure on the Pacers as they faced off against the Bucks in a must-win situation.