The Milwaukee Bucks had a rough start to the 2025 NBA Playoffs as they were defeated by the Indiana Pacers 117-98 on Saturday in the first game of the opening round. Not only did the Pacers outplay the Bucks on both sides of the ball, Giannis Antetokounmpo was the only Bucks player that appeared to be giving maximum effort.
The ugly loss prompted fans to question Antetokounmpo’s future with the Bucks as well as the team’s chances for victory this playoff run.
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Yeah…. #Giannis outta Milwaukee next season pic.twitter.com/veGCoHN18C
— Shawn (@NahImCoolOnThat) April 19, 2025
Hopefully NBA fans realize it’s a team sport after Giannis averages 35/14/7 this series and Bucks still catch belt
— D (@Yeaderrr) April 19, 2025
Kyle Kuzma against the Pacers today ???? pic.twitter.com/sZVmkydjEo
— Overtime (@overtime) April 19, 2025
It was always Pacers in 5
— PayneHoops (@CookedByPayne) April 19, 2025
Congrats Pacers. Giannis cooked but the rest of the Bucks let him down.
— Andy froemel (@FroemelAndy) April 19, 2025
Giannis and the Bucks against the Pacers pic.twitter.com/ACFHCmgNDn
— NBA Memes (@NBAMemes) April 19, 2025
The Bucks are still very much in the series, considering that star guard Damian Lillard has just been cleared to return to action. Lillard was seen having words with Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton near the end of Saturday’s game.
A specific timetable for Lillard’s return hasn’t been specified, but all signs point to him returning at some point in the first round. Game 2 is set to take place on Tuesday in Indiana.
James Parker is an NBA writer for Ball Exclusives, follow him on X @TheJames_Parker
