Bucks Eliminated from Playoffs By Pacers as NBA Fans Lament Giannis, Lillard Injuries | News, Scores, Highlights, Stats, and Rumors
Carter Sullivan The Indiana Pacers eliminated the Milwaukee Bucks from the NBA playoffs on Thursday night, winning Game 6 by the final score of 120-98.
NBA @NBAThe <a href="">@Pacers</a> advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals!<a href="">#NBAPlayoffs</a> presented by Google Pixel <a href="">
The Pacers earned a series victory with a balanced offensive performance, as four starters finished with at least 14 points. Backup forward Obi Toppin was Indiana's leading scorer, dropping 21 points and grabbing eight rebounds in 24 minutes off the bench.
NBA @NBANo-look Hali lob ↗️ Toppin finish!<br><br>Pacers lead 59-47 heading into halftime on TNT.<a href="">#NBAPlayoffs</a> presented by Google Pixel <a href="">
Injuries took a heavy toll on the Bucks, as superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo failed to appear in a single first-round postseason game due to a calf strain that he suffered on April 9.
All-Star point guard Damian Lillard returned after a two-game absence due to an Achilles issue, although his 28 points and four assists weren't enough to keep Milwaukee's season alive.
Fans were disappointed with the Bucks' injury-plagued year, referencing Antetokounmpo's two missed games during the team's first-round playoff exit in 2023.
Bleacher Report @BleacherReportPACERS TAKE DOWN BUCKS 😱<br><br>SECOND SEASON IN A ROW MILWAUKEE LOSES IN FIRST ROUND <a href="">
Matt @sixringsofsteeII really thought the Bucks were on the verge of starting a dynasty in 2021<br><br>Obviously injuries have played a big part, but not making it to the conference finals in the last 3 years is kinda disappointing
Luke Sampe @LukeSampeGood season Bucks.<br><br>Not aggressive enough on D, cold shooting, and Giannis on be bench with injuries isn't the recipe.
Camden Caps @CamdenCapsBack to back wasted years for Giannis due to injury is really sad considering the trajectory he was on 😔
WoodBFre3 @WoodBfre3Injuries robbed the Bucks of a finals run
Cafésito @MaxaVeLLiBucks get a pass this year. Too much bs happened including injuries at the wrong time
Ullr @UllrCtrlBucks really about to lose in the 1st round 2 seasons in a row with a Giannis injury wow 💔💔
Mike @__spicflairBucks really going home in the 1st round. Injuries suck.
Brian Schwarze @RealBSchwarzePretty much every Bucks fan went into G5 with low expectations. Should Bucks lose G6, we've already been at peace losing this series given the injuries the team has endured. Pacer fans will probably say "Dame came back G6" but he's clearly playing at sub 70%.
Big Merk @merkcitygodBucks not having Giannis… man smh
Nick Knight @GameChangerNickOnce again in the playoffs for the 2nd time in a row, NO Giannis, NO Bucks series W. High usage & high injury tendencies do not match. <a href="">#NBAPlayoffs</a> <a href="">#NBAonTNT</a>
After the Bucks won a championship in 2021, they've failed to advance beyond the second-round of the playoffs in three seasons since. Antetokounmpo's health has been a large factor in their recent postseason exits and will be something to monitor in future years.
As for the Pacers, they secured the organization's first playoff series win since 2014. All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton and the rest of Indiana's supporting cast will now face off against the winner of the first-round clash between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers in the conference semifinals.