MILWAUKEE (AP) — The rivalry between the Indiana Pacers and the Milwaukee Bucks is heating up, according to Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton, who does not shy away from the growing animosity between the two Eastern Conference teams. "It’s no secret," Haliburton remarked. "They don’t like us. We don’t like them." This sentiment reverberated through the arena as the two teams faced off for the last time during the regular season on Saturday night, March 15, 2025.
The matchup turned out to be thrilling, with the Bucks holding on to defeat the Pacers 126-119 after building up as much as a 21-point lead during the fourth quarter. This victory not only solidified the Bucks' position but also placed them one game above Indiana for the pivotal fourth seed in the Eastern Conference, securing them home-court advantage for the upcoming playoffs.
Milwaukee now boasts a record of 38-28, and head coach Doc Rivers acknowledged the developing rivalry, saying, "There's definitely something there, and that's good. I think rivalries are great, personally. You can’t just make them up, though. They have to happen. I think this one is happening. And it’s good." These teams are well aware of the stakes; both are currently keeping tabs on the Detroit Pistons lurking behind them.
The rivalry has escalated since last season when the Pacers eliminated the Bucks 4-2 during the opening round of the playoffs, eventually rallying to reach the Eastern Conference Finals. The recent matchups have been intense, contributing significantly to the growing tensions on the court.
Notably, during the NBA Cup semifinals last season, Haliburton audaciously mimicked Bucks star Damian Lillard’s famed "Dame Time" celebration, pointing to his wrist as he celebrated Indiana's success against Milwaukee. Things heated up even more when Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo scored 64 points against the Pacers during another game, setting a franchise record.
On Tuesday, March 11, 2025, the Pacers had stunned the Bucks with a nail-biting victory of 115-114, courtesy of Haliburton’s astounding four-point play with merely 3.4 seconds left on the clock. Haliburton was fouled attempting a three-pointer, draining the shot and then making the free throw to seal the deal. During Saturday’s rematch, Antetokounmpo amassed 34 points, 10 rebounds, and 7 assists before fouling out, significantly contributing to Milwaukee's win.
The Bucks now possess the advantage between the teams this season, leading the series 3-1, which could be pivotal if both teams end the season with identical records. "A team like the Indiana Pacers, they’re going to keep on playing hard, they’re going to keep on trying to create open 3s and trying to get downhill and try to keep on playing fast," Antetokounmpo stated about his opponents. "You’ve got to be ready to play a 48-minute basketball game." This fast-paced approach exemplifies the differences between the two squads, with the Pacers fielding a younger team, whereas the Bucks operate at a more deliberate pace, largely due to their experience-driven lineup.
Interestingly, Haliburton has personal ties to Wisconsin, as he grew up in Oshkosh. During games against the Bucks, he receives jeers from the home crowd but appears unfazed. Haliburton fervently believes the high-stakes competition is part of what makes basketball exhilarating: "It’s looking right now like we might be on a crash course to seeing each other again... I think everybody as competitors enjoys these matchups, enjoys these games. It’s two small-market Midwest teams, and I think it just makes it more fun."
With the postseason drawing near, the buzz around these two teams is palpable, and the prospect of meeting once again serves as both exciting and nerve-wracking for players and fans alike. Each game adding fuel to the fire of competition, this budding rivalry promises more than just basketball; it’s about pride, strategy, and the legacy they will leave behind on the court.
