"Pacers Double Down on Bucks and Lillard as Playoff Tensions Boil Over"

As the NBA playoffs heat up with Game 2s on Tuesday, the spotlight turns to the Lakers facing the Timberwolves after a unexpected home loss in Game 1. Yahoo Sports offers some intriguing series predictions, while the atmosphere thickens with past rivalries and a player rankings list that could stir up some locker room conversations. Here’s the lowdown on how the games went:

Pacers 123, Bucks 115

Oh, the series between the Bucks and Pacers has already turned into a bit of a grudge match. Despite the return of Damian Lillard, the Bucks found themselves edged out 123-115 by an aggressive Pacers team. Lillard certainly played his heart out, but struggled to find the rhythm after coming back from an injury. His stats? Just 14 points… a far cry from what Milwaukee would’ve hoped for.

The Pacers put on an offensive display, lead by their starters who all flirted with double figures. Their shooting was as effective as a sniper rifle, clocking in at 48.9% from the field and 44.4% from behind the arc, which is exactly how you keep a lead, especially when the Bucks are clawing back.

However, tensions are running high. The two teams have a history of not being the best of friends, from Haliburton’s ‘Dame Time’ celebration to Game Ballrelated scuffles, the animosity has only grown. Now, with the series moving to Milwaukee, there’s plenty of chances for physical calendars to get heated.

Thunder 118, Grizzlies 99

Last game, Ja Morant was determined to show that the Grizzlies wouldn’t be a repeat embarrassment. After his proclamation, “We will never play that bad again,” they did indeed find some competitive spunk, but the Thunder still marched ahead with a double-digit victory.

Caruso, in particular, was a nightmare for any Grizzlies player foolish enough to drive past him, contributing 13 points from the bench. His defense was robust, a testament to why OKC went after him in the offseason.

Can we expect more drama, more intense plays, and perhaps a bit of playoff magic from either team? With the series moving to Memphis, the pressure and the stakes are continually rising. LEARN MORE.Game 3 is scheduled for Thursday night (9:30 p.m. ET | TNT) in Memphis.With at least two games remaining in the series, there’s plenty of potential for things to further boil over.Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Advertisement

Alex Caruso remains a menace

Caruso lived up to that billing on Tuesday, smothering every perimeter threat that came near him. The Thunder outscored the Grizzlies by 18 points with him on the floor, the best of any player.Game 3 is scheduled for Friday night (8 p.m. ET | ESPNU, NBATV) in Milwaukee.

The Grizzlies showed life, and then the Thunder opened the fourth quarter on a 14-2 run to snuff it out. Maybe the Denver Nuggets or Los Angeles Clippers will do better next round.Lillard not limited, but struggles from the field