One untimely loss away from watching their expectation-filled season end abruptly, the Milwaukee Bucks, with their backs against the wall, found momentum through a likely, proven source: Bobby Portis’ back-to-basket game. With the series-extending Game Five victory all but ensured, and a chance to add to his postseason career-high arriving his way, the talented stretch big takes full advantage, flashing to the free throw area with Obi Toppin ready to challenge. Unsatisfied with his options after forcing Toppin slightly off of his feet with a subtle pump fake, Portis reaches back into his bag of tricks, testing Toppin’s discipline with a fake shimmy-shake maneuver before pivoting back into the open area for a smooth hook shot. Pledging to amend his early exit from the prior game, Portis more than made up for lost time, putting forth the most productive playoff outing of his nine-year career. Too much to handle for the Indiana Pacers’ frontcourt, Portis erupted for 29 points, 10 rebounds, one assist, one steal, and one 3-pointer, helping cut the series to a 3-2 deficit with the win on April 30, 2024. · May 1, 2024