Damian Lillard and Tyrese Haliburton are set to face off in a highly anticipated Game 3 of the 2025 NBA Playoffs, as the Milwaukee Bucks look to bounce back against the Indiana Pacers. This matchup has become one of the most talked-about rivalries in the postseason, with both players bringing their own unique styles and competitive fire to the court.
### **Head-to-Head History**
Lillard and Haliburton have faced each other multiple times over the years, with Haliburton holding a slight edge in their head-to-head record [A](https://www.landofbasketball.com/games_between/tyrese_haliburton_vs_damian_lillard.htm?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiIxY25xYjVnVU4xekR1SjZ5OVJiM2UiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidTdSZVREbXZXcWpyb2IyQzhlNzNXIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmxhbmRvZmJhc2tldGJhbGwuY29tXC9nYW1lc19iZXR3ZWVuXC90eXJlc2VfaGFsaWJ1cnRvbl92c19kYW1pYW5fbGlsbGFyZC5odG0ifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Since entering the league in 2020, Haliburton has gone **11-7** against Lillard, including a **4-1** advantage in the playoffs [B](https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/damian-lillard-vs-tyrese-haliburton-head-to-head-matchup-explored-ahead-much-anticipated-game-3-2025-nba-playoffs?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiIxY25xYjVnVU4xekR1SjZ5OVJiM2UiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidTdSZVREbXZXcWpyb2IyQzhlNzNXIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNwb3J0c2tlZWRhLmNvbVwvYmFza2V0YmFsbFwvZGFtaWFuLWxpbGxhcmQtdnMtdHlyZXNlLWhhbGlidXJ0b24taGVhZC10by1oZWFkLW1hdGNodXAtZXhwbG9yZWQtYWhlYWQtbXVjaC1hbnRpY2lwYXRlZC1nYW1lLTMtMjAyNS1uYmEtcGxheW9mZnMifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). His best performance against Lillard came on **January 3, 2024**, when he dropped **31 points and 12 assists** in a Pacers victory [B](https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/damian-lillard-vs-tyrese-haliburton-head-to-head-matchup-explored-ahead-much-anticipated-game-3-2025-nba-playoffs?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiIxY25xYjVnVU4xekR1SjZ5OVJiM2UiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidTdSZVREbXZXcWpyb2IyQzhlNzNXIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNwb3J0c2tlZWRhLmNvbVwvYmFza2V0YmFsbFwvZGFtaWFuLWxpbGxhcmQtdnMtdHlyZXNlLWhhbGlidXJ0b24taGVhZC10by1oZWFkLW1hdGNodXAtZXhwbG9yZWQtYWhlYWQtbXVjaC1hbnRpY2lwYXRlZC1nYW1lLTMtMjAyNS1uYmEtcGxheW9mZnMifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). On the other hand, Lillard has had his moments as well, including a **40-point explosion** against Haliburton back in **January 2021** [A](https://www.landofbasketball.com/games_between/tyrese_haliburton_vs_damian_lillard.htm?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiIxY25xYjVnVU4xekR1SjZ5OVJiM2UiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidTdSZVREbXZXcWpyb2IyQzhlNzNXIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LmxhbmRvZmJhc2tldGJhbGwuY29tXC9nYW1lc19iZXR3ZWVuXC90eXJlc2VfaGFsaWJ1cnRvbl92c19kYW1pYW5fbGlsbGFyZC5odG0ifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### **Recent Playoff Performances**
The Pacers have taken a **2-0 lead** in the series, with Haliburton playing a crucial role in both victories [B](https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/damian-lillard-vs-tyrese-haliburton-head-to-head-matchup-explored-ahead-much-anticipated-game-3-2025-nba-playoffs?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiIxY25xYjVnVU4xekR1SjZ5OVJiM2UiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidTdSZVREbXZXcWpyb2IyQzhlNzNXIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNwb3J0c2tlZWRhLmNvbVwvYmFza2V0YmFsbFwvZGFtaWFuLWxpbGxhcmQtdnMtdHlyZXNlLWhhbGlidXJ0b24taGVhZC10by1oZWFkLW1hdGNodXAtZXhwbG9yZWQtYWhlYWQtbXVjaC1hbnRpY2lwYXRlZC1nYW1lLTMtMjAyNS1uYmEtcGxheW9mZnMifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). He recorded double-doubles in both games, proving that the “overrated” tag he received from some critics was far from justified [B](https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/damian-lillard-vs-tyrese-haliburton-head-to-head-matchup-explored-ahead-much-anticipated-game-3-2025-nba-playoffs?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiIxY25xYjVnVU4xekR1SjZ5OVJiM2UiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidTdSZVREbXZXcWpyb2IyQzhlNzNXIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNwb3J0c2tlZWRhLmNvbVwvYmFza2V0YmFsbFwvZGFtaWFuLWxpbGxhcmQtdnMtdHlyZXNlLWhhbGlidXJ0b24taGVhZC10by1oZWFkLW1hdGNodXAtZXhwbG9yZWQtYWhlYWQtbXVjaC1hbnRpY2lwYXRlZC1nYW1lLTMtMjAyNS1uYmEtcGxheW9mZnMifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Meanwhile, Lillard made his return in **Game 2** after missing over a month due to a blood clot in his leg [B](https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/damian-lillard-vs-tyrese-haliburton-head-to-head-matchup-explored-ahead-much-anticipated-game-3-2025-nba-playoffs?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiIxY25xYjVnVU4xekR1SjZ5OVJiM2UiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidTdSZVREbXZXcWpyb2IyQzhlNzNXIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNwb3J0c2tlZWRhLmNvbVwvYmFza2V0YmFsbFwvZGFtaWFuLWxpbGxhcmQtdnMtdHlyZXNlLWhhbGlidXJ0b24taGVhZC10by1oZWFkLW1hdGNodXAtZXhwbG9yZWQtYWhlYWQtbXVjaC1hbnRpY2lwYXRlZC1nYW1lLTMtMjAyNS1uYmEtcGxheW9mZnMifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). He scored **14 points** in his first game back, showing flashes of his usual brilliance but struggling with his shot in the second half [B](https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/damian-lillard-vs-tyrese-haliburton-head-to-head-matchup-explored-ahead-much-anticipated-game-3-2025-nba-playoffs?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiIxY25xYjVnVU4xekR1SjZ5OVJiM2UiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidTdSZVREbXZXcWpyb2IyQzhlNzNXIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNwb3J0c2tlZWRhLmNvbVwvYmFza2V0YmFsbFwvZGFtaWFuLWxpbGxhcmQtdnMtdHlyZXNlLWhhbGlidXJ0b24taGVhZC10by1oZWFkLW1hdGNodXAtZXhwbG9yZWQtYWhlYWQtbXVjaC1hbnRpY2lwYXRlZC1nYW1lLTMtMjAyNS1uYmEtcGxheW9mZnMifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### **The Trash Talk Factor**
Beyond the stats, this matchup has been fueled by intense trash talk between the two players [C](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/damian-lillard-tyrese-haliburton-beef-trash-talk-bucks-pacers/de07f9b228e76cb8741ba5d8?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiIxY25xYjVnVU4xekR1SjZ5OVJiM2UiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidTdSZVREbXZXcWpyb2IyQzhlNzNXIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNwb3J0aW5nbmV3cy5jb21cL3VzXC9uYmFcL25ld3NcL2RhbWlhbi1saWxsYXJkLXR5cmVzZS1oYWxpYnVydG9uLWJlZWYtdHJhc2gtdGFsay1idWNrcy1wYWNlcnNcL2RlMDdmOWIyMjhlNzZjYjg3NDFiYTVkOCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). The rivalry escalated in **Game 1**, when Lillard, still in street clothes, engaged in a heated exchange with Haliburton from the bench [C](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/damian-lillard-tyrese-haliburton-beef-trash-talk-bucks-pacers/de07f9b228e76cb8741ba5d8?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiIxY25xYjVnVU4xekR1SjZ5OVJiM2UiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidTdSZVREbXZXcWpyb2IyQzhlNzNXIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNwb3J0aW5nbmV3cy5jb21cL3VzXC9uYmFcL25ld3NcL2RhbWlhbi1saWxsYXJkLXR5cmVzZS1oYWxpYnVydG9uLWJlZWYtdHJhc2gtdGFsay1idWNrcy1wYWNlcnNcL2RlMDdmOWIyMjhlNzZjYjg3NDFiYTVkOCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). The tension carried over into **Game 2**, with multiple players getting involved in verbal battles on the court [C](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/damian-lillard-tyrese-haliburton-beef-trash-talk-bucks-pacers/de07f9b228e76cb8741ba5d8?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiIxY25xYjVnVU4xekR1SjZ5OVJiM2UiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidTdSZVREbXZXcWpyb2IyQzhlNzNXIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNwb3J0aW5nbmV3cy5jb21cL3VzXC9uYmFcL25ld3NcL2RhbWlhbi1saWxsYXJkLXR5cmVzZS1oYWxpYnVydG9uLWJlZWYtdHJhc2gtdGFsay1idWNrcy1wYWNlcnNcL2RlMDdmOWIyMjhlNzZjYjg3NDFiYTVkOCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Haliburton has embraced the challenge, making it clear that he’s not afraid to go back and forth with Lillard [C](https://www.sportingnews.com/us/nba/news/damian-lillard-tyrese-haliburton-beef-trash-talk-bucks-pacers/de07f9b228e76cb8741ba5d8?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiIxY25xYjVnVU4xekR1SjZ5OVJiM2UiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidTdSZVREbXZXcWpyb2IyQzhlNzNXIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNwb3J0aW5nbmV3cy5jb21cL3VzXC9uYmFcL25ld3NcL2RhbWlhbi1saWxsYXJkLXR5cmVzZS1oYWxpYnVydG9uLWJlZWYtdHJhc2gtdGFsay1idWNrcy1wYWNlcnNcL2RlMDdmOWIyMjhlNzZjYjg3NDFiYTVkOCJ9&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
### **What to Expect in Game 3**
With the series shifting to **Milwaukee**, Lillard will have the home crowd behind him as he looks to turn the tide [B](https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/damian-lillard-vs-tyrese-haliburton-head-to-head-matchup-explored-ahead-much-anticipated-game-3-2025-nba-playoffs?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiIxY25xYjVnVU4xekR1SjZ5OVJiM2UiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidTdSZVREbXZXcWpyb2IyQzhlNzNXIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNwb3J0c2tlZWRhLmNvbVwvYmFza2V0YmFsbFwvZGFtaWFuLWxpbGxhcmQtdnMtdHlyZXNlLWhhbGlidXJ0b24taGVhZC10by1oZWFkLW1hdGNodXAtZXhwbG9yZWQtYWhlYWQtbXVjaC1hbnRpY2lwYXRlZC1nYW1lLTMtMjAyNS1uYmEtcGxheW9mZnMifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). The Bucks will need him to step up offensively and provide leadership if they hope to avoid falling into a **3-0 hole** [B](https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/damian-lillard-vs-tyrese-haliburton-head-to-head-matchup-explored-ahead-much-anticipated-game-3-2025-nba-playoffs?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiIxY25xYjVnVU4xekR1SjZ5OVJiM2UiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidTdSZVREbXZXcWpyb2IyQzhlNzNXIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNwb3J0c2tlZWRhLmNvbVwvYmFza2V0YmFsbFwvZGFtaWFuLWxpbGxhcmQtdnMtdHlyZXNlLWhhbGlidXJ0b24taGVhZC10by1oZWFkLW1hdGNodXAtZXhwbG9yZWQtYWhlYWQtbXVjaC1hbnRpY2lwYXRlZC1nYW1lLTMtMjAyNS1uYmEtcGxheW9mZnMifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1). Meanwhile, Haliburton will aim to maintain his composure and continue orchestrating the Pacers’ offense with precision [B](https://www.sportskeeda.com/basketball/damian-lillard-vs-tyrese-haliburton-head-to-head-matchup-explored-ahead-much-anticipated-game-3-2025-nba-playoffs?copilot_analytics_metadata=eyJldmVudEluZm9fY2xpY2tTb3VyY2UiOiJjaXRhdGlvbkxpbmsiLCJldmVudEluZm9fY29udmVyc2F0aW9uSWQiOiIxY25xYjVnVU4xekR1SjZ5OVJiM2UiLCJldmVudEluZm9fbWVzc2FnZUlkIjoidTdSZVREbXZXcWpyb2IyQzhlNzNXIiwiZXZlbnRJbmZvX2NsaWNrRGVzdGluYXRpb24iOiJodHRwczpcL1wvd3d3LnNwb3J0c2tlZWRhLmNvbVwvYmFza2V0YmFsbFwvZGFtaWFuLWxpbGxhcmQtdnMtdHlyZXNlLWhhbGlidXJ0b24taGVhZC10by1oZWFkLW1hdGNodXAtZXhwbG9yZWQtYWhlYWQtbXVjaC1hbnRpY2lwYXRlZC1nYW1lLTMtMjAyNS1uYmEtcGxheW9mZnMifQ%3D%3D&citationMarker=9F742443-6C92-4C44-BF58-8F5A7C53B6F1).
This showdown is shaping up to be one of the defining moments of the **2025 NBA Playoffs**. Will Lillard rise to the occasion and lead the Bucks to victory, or will Haliburton continue his dominance and push the Pacers closer to the next round? Basketball fans won’t want to miss this battle between two of the league’s most electrifying guards.
