	1	2	3	4	F
IND	40	28	31	24	123
MIL	30	30	27	28	115

NBA

Giannis drops F-bomb after Bucks Game 2 loss

Giannis Antetokounmpo fights alone in second straight loss as Indiana flexes offensive depth.

Update: Apr 23rd, 2025 01:41 EDT

ANDY LYONSAFP

Four years removed from glory, Milwaukee teeters on the brink

It feels like ancient history now, but the Milwaukee Bucks were NBA champions in 2021. That triumph – their first title in 50 years, powered by Giannis Antetokounmpo and etched alongside legends like Kareem Abdul-Jabbar and Oscar Robertson – seems light-years away. What has followed is a slow slide toward mediocrity.

🏆 PLAYOFF BRACKET 🏆

▪️ IND goes ahead 2-0
▪️ LAL ties it up 1-1

The #NBAPlayoffs presented by Google continue Wednesday with 3 Game 2s on TNT & NBA TV! pic.twitter.com/EydP01d9X1
— NBA (@NBA) April 23, 2025

After falling in a seven-game epic against the Celtics in 2022, the Bucks are now staring down a third consecutive first-round exit. Last season, they were dismantled by the Indiana Pacers in five games. This year, it feels like déjà vu. Indiana defended home court again in Game 2 (123-115), and the series heads back to Wisconsin with the Pacers holding a commanding 2-0 lead.

While Milwaukee can hang its hat on winning this year’s NBA In-Season Tournament, modeled after Europe’s basketball culture, that trophy may be the only silverware they see this season – unless something drastic changes.

Indiana’s fearless approach leaves Bucks scrambling

While the Bucks continue to throw every resource into keeping Giannis happy – making roster moves and selling jerseys – the Pacers play with freedom, embracing their underdog status. Two years ago, they captivated fans with a fearless run to the In-Season Tournament Final. This season, they’ve improved further, winning 50 games and securing the fourth seed in the East, setting up this rematch with Milwaukee.

PACERS JUMP OUT TO 2-0 SERIES LEAD 🙌 pic.twitter.com/t8JafJq8Q4
— NBA (@NBA) April 23, 2025

For Milwaukee, it’s been a different story. The front office traded away Jrue Holiday, who went on to help Bostonwin the title, and added Damian Lillard, whose season has been plagued by injuries and inconsistency. Even Khris Middleton, once a key piece, has been derailed by injuries. Despite Giannis’ superhuman efforts, the Bucks feel increasingly adrift.

And yet, they keep battling. In Game 2, they clawed back from double-digit deficits, cutting it to 115-113 with under two minutes remaining. But Indiana closed strong, delivering a decisive 8-2 run to shut the door.

Giannis shines in vain as Pacers’ depth proves decisive

Giannis did everything possible to keep Milwaukee afloat – 34 points on 14-of-20 shooting, 18 rebounds, and 7 assists in nearly 40 minutes. He took hits, dominated the paint, and pushed the pace. But it wasn’t enough.

34 PTS, 18 REB, and 7 AST for Giannis tonight. pic.twitter.com/lRgaVJMIUj
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) April 23, 2025

Damian Lillard, returning from injury, logged 37 minutes, scoring just 14 points on 4-of-13 shooting, though he briefly brought the Bucks close with a late three. Kyle Kuzma bounced back from a dreadful Game 1 with 12 points. But the short-handed rotation of Doc Rivers, leaning heavily on Giannis and Lillard, offered few solutions.

Indiana, by contrast, showcased the depth and balance that has defined their season. They hit 16-of-34 from three (44.6%), ran the floor, and shared the scoring load. Pascal Siakam was superb with 24 points, 11 rebounds, and 3 steals, delivering in the clutch. Tyrese Haliburton, despite a testy exchange with Lillard, orchestrated the offense beautifully with 21 points and 11 assists.

Even Bobby Portis’ 28 points and 12 rebounds off the bench couldn’t tip the scales for Milwaukee. The Pacers simply had too many weapons. Every player contributed, every rotation clicked.

A different destiny since 2021

For the Bucks, the echoes of “Bucks in six” from their 2021 Finals run now feel distant. Their path has shifted from championship contention to early playoff heartbreak, and unless the Fiserv Forum can revive them, Milwaukee is spiraling toward another first-round exit.

Indiana, meanwhile, sits firmly in control, looking to finish what they started last year. The Pacers lead 2-0, but the gap feels larger.