The Milwaukee Bucks, the 2021 NBA champions, have been one of the most disappointing teams in the 2025 NBA playoffs so far. After losing the first two games of their first-round series against the Indiana Pacers, the Bucks found themselves in a precarious position. The losses sparked a flurry of reactions, from Giannis Antetokounmpo trade rumors to questions about Doc Rivers’ job security, and left fans and analysts wondering if the Bucks could salvage their season.
However, as the series shifted to Milwaukee for Game 3, the Bucks showed glimpses of their championship pedigree, proving that there’s still time for them to turn things around. Here’s a deep dive into their struggles, their resurgence, and what lies ahead for this talented but inconsistent team.
A Rocky Start to the Playoffs
The Bucks entered the playoffs with high expectations, boasting a roster led by two-time MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo and perennial All-Star Damian Lillard. Yet, their first two games against the Pacers were nothing short of disastrous.
Game 1: A Wake-Up Call
In Game 1, the Bucks were outplayed in nearly every facet of the game. The Pacers’ high-octane offense, led by Tyrese Haliburton and Pascal Siakam, overwhelmed Milwaukee’s defense. Despite a valiant effort from Antetokounmpo, who finished with 32 points and 12 rebounds, the Bucks fell short, losing 112-104.
Game 2: A Deeper Hole
Game 2 was even more concerning. The Bucks struggled to find their rhythm, and their lack of cohesion was evident. Lillard, still recovering from a recent injury, was visibly off his game, shooting just 5-of-15 from the field. The Pacers capitalized on Milwaukee’s struggles, securing a 120-108 victory and taking a commanding 2-0 series lead.
The back-to-back losses left the Bucks in a must-win situation heading into Game 3. The pressure was mounting, and the criticism was relentless.
The Criticism and Doubts
The Bucks’ early playoff struggles didn’t go unnoticed. Analysts, fans, and even former players took to social media to voice their opinions.
Giannis Antetokounmpo Trade Rumors
One of the most talked-about topics was the possibility of Giannis Antetokounmpo leaving Milwaukee. While these rumors are largely speculative, they highlight the frustration surrounding the team’s performance. Antetokounmpo, who has been the face of the franchise for years, has yet to commit to a long-term future with the Bucks, adding fuel to the fire.
Doc Rivers’ Job Security
Head coach Doc Rivers also found himself under scrutiny. Despite his impressive resume, Rivers has struggled to get the Bucks to play at their full potential since taking over mid-season. Questions about his ability to lead the team to another championship have become a hot topic on social media.
Kendrick Perkins’ Harsh Words
At halftime of Game 3, ESPN analyst Kendrick Perkins didn’t mince words when discussing the Bucks’ performance. “The Bucks are trash. The truth hurts. They’re trash,” Perkins said. “They’re a team that plays individual basketball, don’t play together, don’t compete.”
Perkins’ blunt assessment resonated with many fans who felt the Bucks were underperforming. However, his comments seemed to light a fire under the team.
The Turning Point: Game 3
Facing the possibility of a 3-0 series deficit, the Bucks entered Game 3 with their backs against the wall. The first half was more of the same, as the Pacers took a 57-47 lead into halftime. But the second half was a different story.
A Dominant Third Quarter
The Bucks came out of the locker room with renewed energy and focus. They outscored the Pacers 39-18 in the third quarter, completely flipping the script of the game. Antetokounmpo was at the heart of the surge, dominating on both ends of the floor.
Gary Trent Jr.’s Breakout Performance
While Antetokounmpo’s contributions were expected, the emergence of Gary Trent Jr. was a pleasant surprise for the Bucks. Trent, known for his scoring ability, had one of the best games of his career, finishing with 37 points on 11-of-16 shooting, including 9-of-12 from beyond the arc. His hot shooting stretched the Pacers’ defense and opened up opportunities for his teammates.
Damian Lillard’s Struggles
Despite the Bucks’ resurgence, Damian Lillard continued to struggle. In his second game back from injury, Lillard looked out of sync, shooting just 4-of-14 from the field. However, his presence on the floor still commanded attention from the Pacers’ defense, creating space for his teammates to operate.
Closing Out the Game
The Bucks carried their momentum into the fourth quarter, maintaining their double-digit lead and ultimately securing a 125-105 victory. The win not only kept their season alive but also gave them a much-needed confidence boost.
What’s Next for the Bucks?
With the series now at 2-1 in favor of the Pacers, the Bucks have a chance to even things up in Game 4. Here’s what they need to do to keep their championship hopes alive:
1. Sustain Their Defensive Intensity
The Bucks’ defense was a key factor in their second-half turnaround in Game 3. They’ll need to maintain that level of intensity to slow down the Pacers’ explosive offense.
2. Get Damian Lillard Going
Lillard’s struggles have been a major concern for the Bucks. If he can find his rhythm, it will take a lot of pressure off Antetokounmpo and the rest of the team.
3. Continue to Trust the Role Players
Gary Trent Jr.’s performance in Game 3 was a reminder of the importance of role players in the playoffs. The Bucks will need consistent contributions from players like Brook Lopez, Khris Middleton, and Pat Connaughton to advance.
4. Play as a Team
Kendrick Perkins’ criticism of the Bucks’ individual play was valid. For the Bucks to succeed, they’ll need to play as a cohesive unit, sharing the ball and trusting each other on both ends of the floor.
Can the Bucks Make a Deep Playoff Run?
While the Bucks have shown they’re capable of bouncing back, their margin for error is slim. The Pacers are a talented and resilient team, and the Bucks will need to bring their A-game in every remaining contest.
If Giannis Antetokounmpo can continue to dominate, Damian Lillard can return to form, and the role players can step up, the Bucks have the talent to make a deep playoff run. However, they’ll need to address their inconsistencies and play with the urgency they showed in the second half of Game 3.
Final Thoughts
The Milwaukee Bucks’ playoff journey has been anything but smooth so far. After a disappointing start to their series against the Indiana Pacers, they showed in Game 3 that they’re still a force to be reckoned with. With their backs against the wall, the Bucks responded with a dominant performance, proving that they’re not ready to go home just yet.
As the series shifts to Game 4, the Bucks have an opportunity to even the score and regain control of the series. Whether they can build on their momentum and make a deep playoff run remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the Bucks are not going down without a fight.
