Bucks Eliminated from Playoffs By Pacers as NBA Fans Lament Giannis, Lillard Injuries

zach bacharContributor IMay 3, 2024

INDIANAPOLIS, IN - MAY 2: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks looks on during the game against the Indiana Pacers during Round 1 Game 6 of the 2024 NBA Playoffs on May 2, 2024 at Gainbridge Fieldhouse in Indianapolis, Indiana. 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. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2024 NBAE (Photo by Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images)

Jeff Haynes/NBAE via Getty Images

The Indiana Pacers eliminated the Milwaukee Bucks from the NBA playoffs on Thursday night, winning Game 6 by the final score of 120-98.

NBA @NBA
The <a href="https://twitter.com/Pacers?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@Pacers</a> advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals!<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAPlayoffs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBAPlayoffs</a> presented by Google Pixel <a href="https://t.co/OLyPcuuFqd">pic.twitter.com/OLyPcuuFqd</a>

The Pacers earned a series victory with a balanced offensive performance, as four starters finished with at least 14 points. Backup forward Obi Toppin was Indiana's leading scorer, dropping 21 points and grabbing eight rebounds in 24 minutes off the bench.

NBA @NBA
No-look Hali lob ↗️ Toppin finish! Pacers lead 59-47 heading into halftime on TNT.<a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAPlayoffs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBAPlayoffs</a> presented by Google Pixel <a href="https://t.co/ICTgKkgWXM">pic.twitter.com/ICTgKkgWXM</a>

Injuries took a heavy toll on the Bucks, as superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo failed to appear in a single first-round postseason game due to a calf strain that he suffered on April 9.

All-Star point guard Damian Lillard returned after a two-game absence due to an Achilles issue, although his 28 points and four assists weren't enough to keep Milwaukee's season alive.

Fans were disappointed with the Bucks' injury-plagued year, referencing Antetokounmpo's two missed games during the team's first-round playoff exit in 2023.

Bleacher Report @BleacherReport
PACERS TAKE DOWN BUCKS 😱 SECOND SEASON IN A ROW MILWAUKEE LOSES IN FIRST ROUND <a href="https://t.co/ZAkUk5tkM2">pic.twitter.com/ZAkUk5tkM2</a>

Matt @sixringsofsteeI
I really thought the Bucks were on the verge of starting a dynasty in 2021 Obviously injuries have played a big part, but not making it to the conference finals in the last 3 years is kinda disappointing

✨ Watch more top videos, highlights, and B/R original content

Luke Sampe @LukeSampe
Good season Bucks. Not aggressive enough on D, cold shooting, and Giannis on be bench with injuries isn't the recipe.

Camden Caps @CamdenCaps
Back to back wasted years for Giannis due to injury is really sad considering the trajectory he was on 😔

WoodBFre3 @WoodBfre3
Injuries robbed the Bucks of a finals run

Cafésito @MaxaVeLLi
Bucks get a pass this year. Too much bs happened including injuries at the wrong time

Ullr @UllrCtrl
Bucks really about to lose in the 1st round 2 seasons in a row with a Giannis injury wow 💔💔

Mike @__spicflair
Bucks really going home in the 1st round. Injuries suck.

Brian Schwarze @RealBSchwarze
Pretty much every Bucks fan went into G5 with low expectations. Should Bucks lose G6, we've already been at peace losing this series given the injuries the team has endured. Pacer fans will probably say "Dame came back G6" but he's clearly playing at sub 70%.

Big Merk @merkcitygod
Bucks not having Giannis… man smh

Nick Knight @GameChangerNick
Once again in the playoffs for the 2nd time in a row, NO Giannis, NO Bucks series W. High usage & high injury tendencies do not match. <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAPlayoffs?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBAPlayoffs</a> <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/NBAonTNT?src=hash&ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#NBAonTNT</a>

After the Bucks won a championship in 2021, they've failed to advance beyond the second-round of the playoffs in three seasons since. Antetokounmpo's health has been a large factor in their recent postseason exits and will be something to monitor in future years.

As for the Pacers, they secured the organization's first playoff series win since 2014. All-Star point guard Tyrese Haliburton and the rest of Indiana's supporting cast will now face off against the winner of the first-round clash between the New York Knicks and the Philadelphia 76ers in the conference semifinals.