Old, fiery comments resurface after Bucks draw Pacers in NBA Playoffs

When the dust settled on an incredibly hectic day in the Eastern Conference, it was revealed that the Milwaukee Bucks would face the Indiana Pacers in the first round of the NBA Playoffs.

Of course, everyone immediately brought up just how intense every meeting between the Bucks and Indiana has been this season. The game-ball incident, referencing when Giannis Antetokounmpo put up 64 points against Indiana but then believed the ball was stolen by Indiana, was the most famous of the incidents, but there have been plenty more in their meetings this season.

There are bound to be plenty of fireworks in this three vs. six matchup, especially after old comments from Milwaukee Bucks guard Malik Beasley surfaced after that series was made official. In January, Beasley was speaking to TNT and Bleacher Report insider Chris Haynes about the Bucks dropping four of their five games against the Pacers, saying:

“I know we’re going to play them in the playoffs, and boy, it’s not going to be pretty for them.”

Old, fiery comments resurface after Bucks draw Pacers in NBA Playoffs

It wouldn't be overly surprising if the Pacers have these words printed out on a bulletin board in the locker room, along with everything else that has gone on between the two clubs this season.

Malik Beasley will have plenty of eyes on him throughout this series after making these comments. Unfortunately for him, he's been in a sizeable slump lately, so much so that he was moved from the starting lineup in favor of Patrick Beverley. If his recent struggles carry over into the postseason, it would be catastrophic for both he and the team.

After five intense regular season matchups, it was clear there was a rivalry brewing between these Eastern Conference franchises. This series could open a new can of worms on that front, as both of these teams will surely remember everything that has transpired over the past few months. What an interesting series this could ultimately be.

Be sure to bring your popcorn. Malik Beasley, be sure to bring your A-game. The Bucks need it.

Stay tuned for more Milwaukee Bucks analysis.