Bobby Portis, Khris Middleton help Bucks stave off elimination - ESPN

MILWAUKEE — As the final seconds ticked off the clock of an emphatic 115-92 Milwaukee Bucks victory in Game 5 to avoid elimination, Malik Beasley threw his hands in the air and welcomed the love from the crowd. Patrick Beverley yelled along with fans in the front row near the Bucks bench. Khris Middleton even acknowledged the cheers as he walked up the floor to come out of the game.

A sold-out crowd, emboldened by the unlikely performance they had witnessed, chanted «Bucks in seven.»

The Bucks won Tuesday night with both of their two top scorers, Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, out of the lineup, making them the first team in NBA history to win a playoff game while missing their top two scorers from the regular season.

Middleton and Bobby Portis led all scorers with 29 points each and, along with Beverley, became the first trio in Bucks history to all post a double-double since 1981, according to research by ESPN Stats & Information.

«We have to find a way to win, whatever it takes,» Middleton said. «We're still confident. Our backs were up against the wall tonight, we had a great home crowd that got us going. So we're going to have to find a way. That's the only way to put it, find a way to get this next one and force a Game 7.»

The Pacers still lead the series 3-2. Game 6 is Thursday night in Indianapolis.

By extending the series, the Bucks have given Antetokounmpo and Lillard a chance to play in the next game. Milwaukee coach Doc Rivers said both players are scheduled to work out on the court during the off day Wednesday.

«I think they're very, very, very close,» Rivers said.

Lillard, who has missed the past two games with an Achilles injury, shed the walking boot he was wearing over the weekend. He did some