Milwaukee Bucks guard Damian Lillard may have sat out Game 1 of the Eastern Conference playoffs, but he still tried to make his presence known late in his team’s loss.
The Bucks lost 117-98 to the Indiana Pacers at Gainbridge Fieldhouse on Saturday in their playoff opener, and some frustrations were shared late in the game. With 1:32 to go, Lillard and Pacers guard Tyrese Haliburton had words with each other during a stoppage in play.
Lillard was on the bench in street clothes, but he seemed to be the initiator of the confrontation. He appeared to tell Haliburton “you gon’ see,” and threatened to “beat your a–.”
Damian Lillard — Tyrese Haliburton. 🍿
— Hoop Central (@TheHoopCentral) April 19, 2025
pic.twitter.com/c8c1d5m8TN
Haliburton talked back, and both players ultimately received technical fouls.
The Bucks have long had issues with Haliburton. The Pacers guard mocked Lillard’s signature celebration in a 2023 game, prompting Lillard to deliver something of a warning in response. Presumably, Lillard has not forgotten that, especially since Haliburton got the last laugh after the two teams met in last year’s playoffs.
Haliburton only scored 10 points in Saturday’s win, but contributed 12 assists and 7 rebounds.
Lillard missed Game 1 as he continues working his way back from a blood clot. There is no official date set for his return, but reports suggest he is increasingly likely to play in this series.
