With five clashes in the space of barely half a season, a certain hostility is building between the Bucks and the Pacers. So far, it’s Indiana who dominates the debates, but Milwaukee guard Malik Beasley warns Tyrese Haliburton’s gang.
A rivalry is brewing in the Eastern Conference.
Playing in the same division and separated by only 400 kilometers, Milwaukee and Indiana have had a series of big battles in this first part of the season. Five in total, with four victories for the Pacers including one in the semi-final of the NBA In-Season Tournament in Las Vegas, with Tyrese Haliburton making a “Dame Time” in the money-time. Enough to create animosity between the two teams, an animosity which was notably boosted by the episode of the stolen ball after Giannis Antetokounmpo’s 64 pawns last December.
Bucks guard Malik Beasley spoke about this budding rivalry during an interview with Chris Haynes of Bleacher Report. And his message is very clear.
“There are teams like that who have the formula to beat you, and we have to find the right solutions. Because I know we’re going to play them in the Playoffs, and it’s going to go badly for them.”
Malik Beasley on Pacers beating them four out of five times: “I know we’re going to play them in the playoffs, and boy, it’s not going to be pretty for them.” pic.twitter.com/8uv4LmN2EA
— Chris Haynes (@ChrisBHaynes) January 5, 2024
The appointment is made!
Malik Beasley assures that the story will not be the same once in the Playoffs if the two teams meet in a few months. Today, the Pacers dominate Milwaukee through their infernal pace of play and the enthusiasm of youth. Giannis may be struggling, but the Bucks cannot slow down Tyrese Haliburton, who is happy to shine every time against the team from his native state.
Tyrese Haliburton continues his HISTORIC run in the Pacers’ 5th-straight victory!
???? 31 PTS, 12 AST, 5 3PM, 3 BLK, 0 TOV
???? 1st player ever to reach those thresholds in a game
???? 76 AST, 7 TOV during winning streak… first player ever with that many AST and that few TOV over 5… pic.twitter.com/MvV9lOi5I7
— NBA (@NBA) January 4, 2024
In the event of a clash in the spring, the Bucks will have to tighten their defense and put a lot more physical impact to bring the Pacers down from their cloud. The game often slows down in the Playoffs with more half court, and referees usually allow more room for contact. Parameters that could favor Milwaukee, in addition to experience, but don’t count on Indiana to let it happen.
Authors of a magnificent run at the In-Season Tournament, the Pacers have gained confidence and are not afraid of anyone. We see it in the clashes against the Bucks, they talk, they talk and they play in a completely uninhibited way, no matter if there are Giannis and Damian Lillard opposite.
So, will we see you in April for a big series of Playoffs?
__________
Source texte : Chris Haynes (Bleacher Report)
The Bucks must be FAD from playing Indiana.
They have 10 defeats this season in total…
…and 4 against Indiana.
Including the NBA Cup match.
Haliburton and company have them in their pocket, Lillard especially.
— TrashTalk (@TrashTalk_fr) January 4, 2024
2024-01-06 11:52:00
#Malik #Beasley #Bucks #warns #Pacers
