INDIANAPOLIS – The Milwaukee Bucks faced another tough night on the court as they succumbed to the Indiana Pacers, 123-115, in Game 2 of their Eastern Conference playoff series on April 22, 2025. This defeat puts the Bucks in a precarious 0-2 hole as they prepare to head back to Milwaukee for the next two games.
In a matchup that was expected to be fiercely contested, the Pacers continued their dominance from Game 1, where they secured a 117-98 victory. The Bucks started the game sluggishly, allowing Indiana to jump out to a commanding 31-16 lead in the first quarter. The Pacers shot an impressive 59.1% overall and 60% from beyond the arc in that opening period, setting the tone for the rest of the game.
Despite a spirited comeback attempt in the final minutes, the Bucks could not overcome a 15-point deficit. Giannis Antetokounmpo led all scorers with 34 points, complemented by 18 rebounds and seven assists, but his efforts were not enough to secure a win. "We just need to play better defense and make our shots count," Antetokounmpo said postgame, reflecting on the team's struggles.
Damian Lillard made his return to the Bucks lineup after a month-long absence due to deep vein thrombosis in his right calf. Lillard logged 37 minutes, scoring 14 points on 4-of-13 shooting. He acknowledged the challenge of returning to the court, stating, "I knew my performance wasn’t going to be perfect, but I gave it my all. It’s tough coming back, especially in the playoffs against a team like Indiana." Lillard's presence was felt, but his shooting woes highlighted the uphill battle the Bucks faced.
The Pacers, on the other hand, showcased their depth as six players scored in double figures. Tyrese Haliburton was pivotal, contributing 21 points and 12 assists, while Pascal Siakam added 24 points and 11 rebounds. Andrew Nembhard hit crucial shots, including a backbreaking three-pointer to extend Indiana's lead to 121-113 with just over a minute left in the game.
The intensity of the rivalry between these two teams was palpable, with tensions spilling over into physical altercations on the court. Lillard and Haliburton engaged in a heated exchange reminiscent of their previous encounters, while Gary Trent Jr. and Bennedict Mathurin were hit with technical fouls for their involvement in a scuffle. Milwaukee's Kevin Porter Jr. also drew a flagrant foul for unsportsmanlike conduct after grabbing the foot of Indiana’s Thomas Bryant.
As the series shifts to Milwaukee for Game 3 on April 25, both teams are aware of the stakes. Historically, only 34 teams have managed to come back from a 0-2 deficit in playoff series, making the next game a must-win for the Bucks. Coach Doc Rivers expressed the urgency of the situation, saying, "We need to regroup and focus on making the necessary adjustments. We can't afford to fall further behind." The Bucks will be looking to leverage their home-court advantage and turn the tide in this series.
Meanwhile, the Pacers will aim to maintain their momentum and capitalize on the Bucks' defensive lapses. "We’ve shown we can play at a high level, but we can’t let up now," Haliburton remarked, emphasizing the need for continued focus as they prepare for the upcoming games.
With both teams eager to assert their dominance, Game 3 promises to be a thrilling encounter. Fans can expect an electric atmosphere at the Fiserv Forum as the Bucks look to rally back and keep their playoff hopes alive.
As the playoffs continue, the intensity and drama only heighten, making every game crucial. Stay tuned as the Bucks and Pacers clash again, with the series hanging in the balance.
