The Indiana Pacers secured a 2-0 lead in their Eastern Conference first-round series against the Milwaukee Bucks with a 123-115 victory in Game 2 on Tuesday night, marked by intense verbal altercations and double technical fouls that underscored the growing animosity between the teams.
Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton was candid about the rivalry, saying, “We don’t like them, they don’t like us, and that’s just what it is. I’m out here just trying to help my team win a game.” The tension, evident in both games of the series, stems from 18 meetings between the teams since the 2023-24 season, including regular-season games, the NBA Cup semifinals, and last year’s six-game playoff series.
Game 2 saw continued friction, with a notable run-in between Haliburton and Bucks star Damian Lillard, who returned from a month-long absence due to a blood clot. Another tense moment occurred when Milwaukee’s Gary Trent Jr. and Indiana’s Pascal Siakam battled for a loose ball, resulting in Siakam hitting the floor hard. Haliburton described his exchanges with Lillard as “just competitors” vying to win at the highest level.
The Pacers led by as many as 16 points, but the Bucks mounted a late 13-0 run, cutting a 15-point deficit to two points with 2:33 remaining, fueled by a Lillard 3-pointer. Indiana responded with back-to-back 3s to seal the win. Siakam led the Pacers with 24 points, while Haliburton added 21 points and 12 assists. Six Pacers scored in double figures, showcasing their balanced attack.
For Milwaukee, Giannis Antetokounmpo delivered 34 points, following his 36-point performance in Game 1, and Bobby Portis contributed 28 points. Lillard, playing 37 minutes in his return, scored 14 points on 4-of-13 shooting and admitted to feeling “winded.”
Antetokounmpo acknowledged the “lot of animosity” but emphasized his focus on Game 3, saying, “My mindset right now is Game 3. We know the f—ing deal.” The Bucks, who have led for just three minutes in the series, face a critical game at home to avoid falling further behind.
Haliburton predicted more intensity ahead, noting, “Everybody says the league rivalries aren’t here anymore. Well, it’s right here.” With the teams’ familiarity—having faced every defensive scheme over their numerous recent matchups—the series promises more heated and competitive moments as it shifts to Milwaukee for Game 3.
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