Damian Lillard and the Milwaukee Bucks are facing an uphill battle after falling to the Indiana Pacers 123-115 on Tuesday, putting them in a 2-0 hole in their first-round playoff series.
Lillard, making his return after missing Game 1 due to a blood clot issue, scored 14 points but struggled with his shooting, finishing 4-of-13 from the field. Despite his efforts, the Bucks couldn’t overcome the Pacers’ early dominance and Indiana’s solid execution down the stretch.
In the postgame interview, Lillard acknowledged his physical condition after a long layoff: “I felt pretty good, given the fact that I haven’t played in so long. Jumping back into a playoff game, I would say I felt pretty good,” he said. However, he admitted that the team’s slow starts were a significant challenge, particularly in the first and third quarters.
“We need to start games better,” Lillard emphasized. “Our attention to detail has to be better, in both our coverages and communication.” His focus on improving the team’s execution was clear, noting that live-ball turnovers allowed Indiana to thrive in transition, a key issue throughout the game.
Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with 34 points, 18 rebounds, and 7 assists but faced difficulties with turnovers and defensive coverage. Despite his strong performance, the team’s defensive lapses and lack of offensive rhythm left them trailing for the majority of the game.
Bobby Portis, who scored 28 points and grabbed 12 rebounds, kept the Bucks within striking distance, especially with his shooting from beyond the arc. However, the Pacers’ offense proved too much to handle in the final minutes, as Pascal Siakam’s clutch three-pointer sealed the game for Indiana.
Indiana, led by Siakam’s 24 points and 11 rebounds, controlled the game from the beginning, opening with a 31-16 run in the first quarter. Tyrese Haliburton added 21 points and 12 assists, helping guide the Pacers to a commanding series lead. The Pacers capitalized on their 15 forced turnovers and went a perfect 19-for-19 from the free-throw line.
Lillard and the Bucks now face a critical Game 3 in Milwaukee, where they’ll look to avoid falling into a 3-0 deficit. “We just have to start better in Game 3,” Lillard concluded, focusing on the team’s need for a stronger start and improved communication across both ends of the floor.
