Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Milwaukee Bucks fell 123-115 to the Indiana Pacers during their Game 2 clash on Tuesday, April 22, falling behind 2-0 in their best-of-seven first-round playoff series. Meanwhile, Antetokounmpo, after his 36-point performance in Game 1, once again pulled off a show in Game 2.
He dominated, tallying a game-high 34 points, 18 rebounds, and seven assists, shooting 14-for-20 (70%). Nevertheless, Milwaukee never led, trailing by as many as 16 points.
After seeing another of his strong showings prove futile, NBA fans expressed sympathy for the two-time MVP.
NBA Fans Rally to Giannis Antetokounmpo’s Defense
The Bucks made a furious, late-game, 13-0 rally to come within two points (115-113) after Antetokounmpo’s co-star Damian Lillard drilled a 3-pointer with 2:31 remaining. However, Lillard, who played in his first game since March 18 after dealing with a blood clot in his right calf, mostly struggled.
The nine-time All-Star managed 14 points, seven assists and two 3s, shooting 4-for-13 (30.8%). Instead, Bucks big man Bobby Portis stepped up off the bench, recording 28 points and 12 rebounds, shooting 11-for-19 (57.9%).
Milwaukee’s comeback was ultimately thwarted after Pacers star forward Pascal Siakam and guard Andrew Nembhard responded with two triples to ice the game. Siakam, Indiana’s leading scorer (24 points), was among six Pacers who scored 14+ points in what marked a well-rounded team effort.
After the contest, fans on X came to Antetokounmpo’s aid, deflecting blame away from the 2021 NBA champion.
“He doesn’t deserve this bucks team,” one fan said.
He doesn't deserve this bucks team
— klaus (@utd_mike0) April 23, 2025
“Bro out there by himself lol,” another wrote.
“Mfs third option is ‘Kyle Kuzma’ yeah gtfo,” another quipped.
“All dames fault lmao Bobby did what he could,” one user said.
All dames fault lmao Bobby did what he could
— JusMe (@JusMe___) April 23, 2025
Meanwhile, some called for Antetokounmpo to begin looking toward his next career move after 12 seasons in Milwaukee, Wis.
“Get that man out of Milwaukee please,” one fan said.
“The window seems closed. Wonder where he heads next,” another added.
The window seems closed. Wonder where he heads next
— Josh Hatch (@jhatchlife) April 23, 2025
Antetokounmpo’s 2nd Straight Game-High Scoring Goes in Vain
Antetokounmpo’s wasted 34-point surge came after the Bucks faltered despite his game-best performance in the 117-98 Game 1 road loss on Saturday, April 19.
The nine-time All-Star finished that contest with 36 points, 12 rebounds, and two blocks, shooting 14-for-23 (60.9%). That gives him a 35.0 points per game scoring average on 65.1% shooting through two postseason losses.
As such, Antetokounmpo will likely need Lillard and a few more members of his supporting cast to provide more production in the Game 3 showdown in Milwaukee on Friday, April 25. If not, the Bucks could face a short series and possibly the end of Antetokounmpo’s tenure with the franchise.