Giannis, Bucks Ripped By NBA Fans for G2 Loss to Haliburton, Pacers in Dame's Return

The Milwaukee Bucks nearly overcame a 15-point fourth quarter deficit but ultimately fell short to the host Indiana Pacers, 123-115, in Game 2 of their NBA Eastern Conference first round playoff series on Tuesday evening.

Milwaukee welcomed back nine-time All-Star guard Damian Lillard, who had been out since March 18 with deep vein thrombosis in his right calf.

Lillard impressively played 37 minutes and notably hit a huge three with 2:33 left in regulation to cut the Pacer lead to 115-113.

However, the Pacers responded with threes from Pascal Siakam and Andrew Nembhard for a 121-113 edge, and Indiana could exhale from there.

For the second straight game, the Bucks dug themselves into a hole and couldn't climb back out. Milwaukee gave up 40 first-quarter points and trailed 112-97 with 6:20 remaining in the game.

The Bucks caught fire from there thanks to Giannis Antetokounmpo (34 points, 18 rebounds, seven assists) and Bobby Portis (28 points, 12 rebounds). Lillard's three also certainly helped.

But the Bucks' defense could not slow Indiana down for the second straight game. The Pacers' stars led the way Tuesday. Pascal Siakam posted 24 points, 11 rebounds and three steals, while Tyrese Haliburton added 21 points and 12 assists.

Indiana also made all 19 of its free throws and shot 44.4 percent from three. Six Pacers scored 14 or more points.

Ultimately, this has been a tough start to the series for the Bucks, who trail 2-0 despite a pair of tremendous Antetokounmpo performances.

The Bucks have led for just one minute and 43 seconds over the two games and not at all since the first quarter of Game 1.

Their fourth-quarter surge is certainly encouraging. And even though Lillard didn't have his best evening (14 points, 4-of-13 shooting), having him back is a huge win, and he certainly shake off some rust after being out for a month.

This is still a rough beginning to the series, though, and fans noted the Bucks' struggles.

Game 3 will go down on Friday at 8 p.m. ET from Milwaukee's Fiserv Forum.