In a shocking start to the NBA playoffs, the Milwaukee Bucks faced a devastating 117-98 defeat against the Indiana Pacers on Saturday, April 19, 2025. This game marked a particularly infamous moment for Bucks forward Kyle Kuzma, who delivered one of the worst individual playoff performances in league history.
Kuzma, who was acquired in a midseason trade that sent franchise legend Khris Middleton to the Washington Wizards, started the game but had a night to forget. He played 22 minutes but failed to register a single statistic in points, rebounds, assists, steals, or blocks. His final stat line read: 0-5 from the field, 0-2 from three-point range, and 0-2 from the free-throw line, culminating in a game-worst -24 in the plus/minus column.
As the game progressed, it became apparent that Kuzma's struggles were emblematic of the Bucks' overall performance. The team shot a dismal 9 of 37 from beyond the arc, and Kuzma's inability to contribute left fans and analysts alike stunned. This performance placed Kuzma among only six players in NBA history to record zero counting stats while playing 20 or more minutes in a playoff game, joining the likes of Mike Dunleavy Jr., Bruce Bowen, Brent Barry, Michael Cage, and Maurice Lucas.
In a twist of irony, Kuzma's performance drew comparisons to former NBA player Tony Snell, who is remembered for a similar stat line in a regular-season game. Social media erupted with memes and comments, highlighting Kuzma's ghost-like presence on the court. One tweet humorously pointed out that Kuzma scored as many points as Middleton did in the game, further fueling the narrative surrounding the trade.
Despite Kuzma's struggles, he wasn't the only Bucks starter to falter. Taurean Prince also failed to score, missing his only shot in 20 minutes of play. Ryan Rollins managed five points, while Bobby Portis contributed four points, with both players shooting a disappointing 2 of 8. The Bucks' star player, Giannis Antetokounmpo, could not carry the team alone, and the lack of scoring from key players proved detrimental.
Head coach Doc Rivers defended Kuzma after the game, stating, "It's hard to score when you don't touch the ball. Kyle got two shots in the first half, both with two seconds on the shot clock. Kuzma can play, but we gotta involve him and we gotta make sure we keep him involved." Rivers' comments reflect the need for better offensive integration for Kuzma, who was expected to be a significant contributor following the trade.
The Bucks' loss in Game 1 of their Eastern Conference first-round series raises questions about their strategy moving forward. With All-Star guard Damian Lillard sidelined since March 18 due to deep vein thrombosis, the team has struggled to find its rhythm. Lillard is expected to return for Game 2 or 3, which could provide a much-needed boost to the Bucks' offense.
As the series progresses, all eyes will be on Kuzma to see if he can bounce back from this historic low. The Bucks will need a stronger performance from him and their other starters to avoid falling deeper into a playoff hole. With the stakes high and the pressure mounting, fans are left wondering if Kuzma can shake off the ghosts of Game 1 and help lead the Bucks to a better showing in the upcoming games.
In conclusion, the Bucks' playoff journey has begun with a bitter taste, and Kyle Kuzma's performance will undoubtedly be a hot topic as they prepare for their next challenge. Will he rise to the occasion, or will the specter of his Game 1 performance haunt him throughout the playoffs? Only time will tell as the Bucks look to regroup and reclaim their momentum.
