The Milwaukee Bucks couldn’t tie up their first-round series against the Indiana Pacers at home in Game 4, falling to a 129-103 loss and a 3-1 series deficit. The Bucks are one loss away from being eliminated by the Pacers in the first round in back-to-back years, an outcome which looks incredibly likely now.
The biggest factor going against the Bucks tonight was simply the fact that they lost Damian Lillard in the first quarter to what’s been feared as an Achilles tear. That injury, alongside the general poor play of all Bucks not named Giannis Antetokounmpo, has fans convinced the Bucks’ season is over and that they’re heading into a dark era with no Lillard and no assets to build around Giannis.
“The Bucks bench weak this game over,” said former Pacers star Lance Stephenson before the fourth quarter even started.
“Conjecture is a devil’s game, but for the first ever time as a lifelong fan of the Milwaukee Bucks, I am concerned these may be the last moments we have with Giannis at the helm. I am savoring every one of these moments as if they’re our last. 34 changed Milwaukee forever,” said one fan already eulogizing the Giannis era in Milwaukee.
“The Bucks are cursed. There’s just no other explanation. They have a star go down in the playoffs every single year,” said another fan who couldn’t believe their rotten injury luck.
“Kyle Kuzma is just the Basketball Gods’ way of punishing all the Bucks fans who complained about Khris Middleton. Unfortunately, the rest of us are collateral damage,” said a fan slamming Kyle Kuzma.
“Like I said. Doc Rivers was sent by Adam Silver to sabotage the Bucks so they can send Giannis to a bigger market,” said one fan sharing an incredible conspiracy theory.
“It was supposed to be the Celtics, Bucks, and everyone else. Sad to see the Dame experiment go so bad, considering all he had to do in Portland,” said another fan about how this era of the Bucks has disappointed everyone.
The Pacers had seven players score in double-digits in a fantastic team-oriented outing. Myles Turner led with 23 points (9-13 FG) and four blocks, while Andrew Nembhard put up 20 points (8-14 FG). Tyrese Haliburton put up 17 points (6-11 FG), eight rebounds, and 15 assists to lead the Pacers to this incredible win, with strong cameos from Pascal Siakam, Aaron Nesmith, T.J. McConnell, and Obi Toppin.
The Bucks were led by Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 28 points (9-20 FG), 15 rebounds, and six assists, with Kevin Porter Jr. complementing him with 23 points (9-17 FG) off the bench. Bobby Portis was the last Buck to score in double-digits with 14 points (6-10 FG).
This is the third straight year the Bucks are on the cusp of a first-round exit, with injuries ruining every Playoff run they’ve had since their 2021 Championship. It’s been a brutal four-year run for the franchise, which maxed out its assets trying to ensure Giannis could win more championships.
Poorly executed moves like handing Jrue Holiday to the Trail Blazers for Lillard, just for the Blazers to trade him to the Boston Celtics, have hurt, but injuries are the main reason.
Lillard’s status isn’t confirmed, but if he’s out for the next year, it’s hard to see how the Bucks can give Giannis a competitive reason to stay. He’s under contract till 2028, but if the team trails off in the standings, it’s hard to imagine him staying happy.
