Bucks fans on social media hoping for Giannis Antetokounmpo's return after Game 2 loss to Pacers
The second half of the Milwaukee Bucks-Indiana Pacers Game 2 playoff game Tuesday night looked far too much like the defensive nightmares the Bucks experienced in the regular season against their Indianapolis Central Division rivals.
After a victory in Game 1, it appears that bad dream theater has continued.
The Bucks allowed far too many points earlier this season in dropping four of five regular season meetings to the Pacers (all under the direction of Adrian Griffin). After slowing down Tyrese Haliburton and the Pacers Sunday night their top-ranked offense was on full display in Game 2 with 125 points on 38 assists.
Coach Doc Rivers seemed to slow the Pacers' transition plan down in the opening game of the series, but Indiana also misfired on 28 three-point shots.
In addition to missing the mark defensively against the Pacers again Tuesday, it was clear that Bucks star Giannis Antetokounmpo was sorely missed at both ends. In addition to not having his 42.2-point scoring average against Indiana this season, the Bucks had no answer for forward Pascal Siakam for a second straight game.
Bucks fans are now hoping for the speediest of recoveries from his left calf injury to help put the brakes on the Pacers:
Come back my sweet prince pic.twitter.com/TylIDhxKil
— 🦌⌚️ (@GiannisEffect) April 24, 2024
The Bucks look like a really old team without Giannis. Getting punked tonight by a younger, cockier team. If they don’t respond with fresh legs Friday, they are in serious trouble. Have to find a way to get Lillard free for second half shots.
— Dan Needles (@dneedles12) April 24, 2024
Bucks very much looking a Giannis Antetokounmpo short on both ends of the court right now. This is why winning Game 1 was so important. Hopefully he’s ready soon — if the Bucks role players looked like this at home I fear what we’ll see in Indiana.
— Ti Windisch (@TiWindisch) April 24, 2024
Hopefully we can bring Giannis back for game 3. Awful game plan, awful execution. #Bucks
— Josh Albrecht (@OnAirJosh) April 24, 2024
Split the games without Giannis. Now please comeback! We got the best player in the world to answer with 😭 pic.twitter.com/tv4CiJh1iP
— 𝘿𝙖𝙢𝙚_𝙏𝙞𝙢𝙚 ⌚️ (@DT_1023) April 24, 2024
I miss Giannis
— Nathan Marzion (@nathanmarzion) April 24, 2024
This article originally appeared on Milwaukee Journal Sentinel: Bucks fans ask for Giannis Antetokounmpo's return after loss to Pacers