The Fiserv Forum is full of eager and hopeful Milwaukee Bucks fans. Their playoff hopes dangle in suspension. It all depends on the outcome of the ongoing Game 5 battle against the Indiana Pacers. Shorthanded without rockstars Damian Lillard and Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Deers needed someone who could take on the responsibility, set the tone, and empower the forces. Enter a long-time veteran who is doing what he does best: Patrick Beverley.

Beverley was acquired by the Bucks during the trade deadline. The motive for securing his services was to have a voice to follow in the locker room and to show the energy he brings to such high-magnitude basketball games. Tonight, while wearing his scoring boots, Pat Bev locked horns with two Pacers, namely Tyrese Haliburton and Obi Toppin.

Patrick Beverley displays his antics against Tyrese Haliburton and Toppin

It started with the former Knicks forward. Beverley imposed himself as a defensive menace and got right into Toppin’s personal space. The Pacers’ sixth man took exception to the excess physicality and shoved Beverley out of the way.

Then came his interaction with Haliburton, the Pacers’ game-changer. The veteran guard chose his time to strike when he landed up on an isolation possession against his nemesis. Beverley, who generally keeps his scoring dormant, reached deep into his bag to outdo Hali. He dragged him into the paint before finishing with a spinning floater on contact.

The Fiserv Forum wildly cheered. Patrick Beverley gave Haliburton the ‘too small’ celebration with some sass of his own, all while engaging the heavy Bucks crowd even more.

Beverley’s mannerism and style of play aren’t appreciated by everyone. His incessant pressure and limitless energy make him the perfect disruptor. But he does more, and this series might just highlight the true value of having Patrick Beverley on your side. Observing the first half alone, when Milwaukee’s two primary scorers were absent, the University of Arkansas alumni assumed the role of a scorer.

Milwaukee barely leads their rivals in Game 5 so far. Patrick Beverley caught fire in the second quarter, allowing Milwaukee to sit on a 5-point lead. The 35-year-old scored 12 points on 4 for 5 shooting from the field. His efficient shot-making and unpredictability have cracked the fast-going Indiana Pacers.

That’s exactly the impact Patrick Beverley is expected to make for the Bucks in the postseason. He does the things no one wants to do and takes pride in performing his role in the most effective manner. The Bucks guard might cross the line a few times in a game, however, his vigor is what gives his team the confidence to envision winning without Dame and the Greek Freak.

Do you think he can keep Milwaukee alive in the playoffs or will the Pacers shoot down the Deers? Let us know below.