The series between the Milwaukee Bucks and Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday, featured some intense emotions — already.
The playoffs are known for their intensity, but there’s a pretty clear line between talking trash and what transpired on Saturday.
Warning— the following transcript includes intense language.
Damian Lillard: “What you gonna do, n****? ... We suck? We’re gonna see about that."
Gary Trent Jr.: "You're sweet."
Lillard: "You're gonna see and I’ll beat your a**.”
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Pascal Siakam: "Why is he talking? H*e a** n****."
Tyrese Haliburton: "It's time to get them the f*** outta here, bro."
Yes, it was that bad — and there’s potentially six more games to be played in the series, with tensions likely only to escalate going forward.
Lillard’s frustration is understandable, his team was down by as many as 28 points and ended up losing 117-98 — an embarrassing start to a series that is expected to be pretty close.
Giannis Antetokounmpo added 36 points, but the rest of the Ducks’ starting lineup struggled to muster anything or impact.
Lillard has not played since March 18 as the Bucks star was being treated for a blood clot in his calf.
Lillard, who averaged 24.9 points, 4.7 rebounds, 7.1 assists, 1.2 steals, and 0.2 blocks per game in 2024-25, could be back in game two.
Game 2 on Tuesday is at 7 PM ET.