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MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – APRIL 23: Damian Lillard #0 of the Milwaukee Bucks is defended by Andrew … More Nembhard #2 of the Indiana Pacers during game two of the Eastern Conference First Round Playoffs at Fiserv Forum on April 23, 2024 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) Getty Images The Milwaukee Bucks are no strangers to the Indiana Pacers. These two squads have gone toe-to-toe 15 times since the start of the 2023-24 NBA season—long enough for this matchup to feel more like a recurring nightmare than a regular rivalry. The Pacers have had Milwaukee’s number during that stretch. They took eight of 11 matchups last year, knocked the Bucks out of the In-Season Tournament, and sent them packing in a 4-2 first-round playoff loss. Talk about rubbing salt in the wound. This season, Milwaukee has clawed back some pride, winning three of the four regular-season meetings. But if they want to ice the cake and return the favor by bouncing Indiana early, they’ll have to solve the Pacers’ full-court puzzle. Rick Carlisle dialed up a 94-foot pressure scheme that gave the Bucks fits last postseason. With Giannis Antetokounmpo sidelined, Indiana unleashed a relentless press after every made basket. And with a 119.0 offensive rating—a mark that would’ve ranked third in the regular season—they had plenty of chances to crank up the heat. Without their MVP in uniform and without a true backup floor general, the Bucks were stuck between a rock and a full-court press. Patrick Beverley filled in, but his game is more bulldog than quarterback—better suited to barking on defense than orchestrating the offense. That…

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Filed under: News - @ April 15, 2025 1:23 pm