Pacers Jump Out with Convincing Wins in 2025 NBA Playoff Clash Against Bucks
The Indiana Pacers didn’t just open their 2025 NBA playoff run. They roared right through the front door, posting two straight wins over the Milwaukee Bucks and sending early shockwaves across the Eastern Conference. Their 117-98 blowout in Game 1 on April 19 set the tone—a complete domination on both ends—and they followed it with a 123-115 home win in Game 2. Right now, Milwaukee fans are staring at a scenario nobody in Wisconsin wanted: their team trailing 0-2 heading home, and plenty of questions on how to crack Indiana’s game plan.
Pascal Siakam looked unstoppable, showing why Indiana made that bold trade to bring him in. In Game 1, he racked up 25 points and 7 rebounds, then breezed into Game 2 with 24 points and 11 boards, hardly missing a step. Beside him, Tyrese Haliburton elevated his play under the big lights, chalking up double-doubles in both games—12 assists and 21 points in the opener and another 21 and 12 combo on April 22. If you’re sensing a theme, it’s this: Haliburton and Siakam are setting the pace, and the Bucks haven’t found an answer yet.
The Pacers’ energy went deeper than just two stars. Andrew Nembhard made his playoff mark early with 17 points and three clutch threes in Game 2. The Indiana bench kept legs fresh, and the defense—especially on the perimeter—locked down Milwaukee’s shooters, forcing them to lean on Giannis Antetokounmpo for nearly everything.
This series carries the extra weight of history. Indiana is not just a higher seed this year (No. 4 against Milwaukee’s No. 5), but also the team that sent the Bucks home in six games as an underdog just last postseason. Now the tables have turned: the Pacers hold home-court advantage, and they’re making the most of it, spurred on by a roaring Gainbridge Fieldhouse crowd. Those bold Nike City Edition uniforms—already a fan favorite after a 17-4 regular season record wearing them—seem to bring extra swagger to their game.
Bucks Face Pressure as Series Heads to Milwaukee
So where does that leave Milwaukee? The Bucks’ problems start with Indiana’s balanced scoring and sticky defense. Giannis Antetokounmpo remains a walking highlight, but he ran into a defensive brick wall. With the Pacers swarming him—often sending multiple defenders and challenging every drive—his usual high-percentage looks just didn’t fall. Brook Lopez and Kyle Kuzma provided flashes, but not enough to tilt the pressure off their superstar.
The playoffs are about adjustments, and the next two games are do-or-die for the Bucks. Games 3 and 4 shift to their home court, with exact dates still being finalized. Indiana’s defense has been stiff, and the Bucks really need someone—anyone—to step up and give Giannis more space. Otherwise, the series could be over before it gets truly dramatic.
If the series stretches, here’s the rest of the schedule:
- Game 5 (if needed): April 29 back in Indianapolis
- Game 6: May 2 in Milwaukee
- Game 7 (if needed): May 4, Indianapolis
The lineups could still shift—coaches will likely keep lineup cards close to their chests and play the injury updates close. So far, Indiana’s tight rotations and aggressive defense have been the X-factor, putting Milwaukee on the back foot early and often.
Every possession feels crucial, every game a possible turning point. And with the Pacers up 2-0, Milwaukee’s margin for error just went razor thin.
