NBA beef brewing between Terry Rozier and Eric Bledsoe

The Boston Celtics have taken a commanding 2-0 lead in their first round playoff series against the Milwaukee Bucks.

But, there has been some entertaining drama that will spark the interest of Kentucky Wildcats and Louisville Cardinals fans.

Eric Bledsoe and Terry Rozier have been battling both on and off the court.

To be fair, Rozier has really taken it to Bledsoe between the lines during the series to this point. Not only have the Celtics won both games, but Rozier is also dominating the individual battle.

The former Cardinal has tallied 46 points, 9 assists, and no turnovers in the first two games. On the other side, Bledsoe, has only been able to contribute 21 total points, 8 assists, and 6 turnovers.

It hasn’t been pretty. Bledsoe clearly seems frustrated and has looked apathetic all around.

The initial tension between the two players began during the closing seconds of a thrilling Game 1. With under 10 seconds to go and the game tied, Bledsoe was guarding Rozier 1 on 1.

Rozier crossed over and made a nice move that left Bledsoe stuck standing still as Rozier drained a three pointer with 0.5 seconds left. The game ultimately went to overtime with the Celtics winning.

In his postgame comments, courtesy of NESN.com, Rozier mistakenly referred to Eric Bledsoe as Drew Bledsoe.

“Defensively, just play long, show your arms,” Rozier said. “Giannis (Antetokounmpo), he loves to push the ball. Drew Bledsoe loves to push the ball. You’ve gotta admit, Khris Middleton who makes tough shots. And we just tried to limit them to what they’re good at by just being long off the ball and showing our presence, and I feel like we did a great job at that a majority of the game.”

Was it an honest flub? Probably. But you can be the judge.

To add fuel to the fire, Bledsoe gave some choice comments of his own after the Bucks were beaten in Game 2. Per ESPN, here is what Bledsoe had to say when asked if he was taking the match-up with Rozier personally.

”Who?” Bledsoe replied

”Terry Rozier,” a reporter responded.

”I don’t even know who the f--- that is,” Bledsoe said.

Yikes!

Get your popcorn ready for Game 3 on Friday night. Kentucky fans know that Bledsoe is a fierce competitor and I expect him to respond to the challenge. It will be fun to watch.

I have to admit, this is not a good look for Eric Bledsoe coming on the heels of how he departed Phoenix recently. Hopefully he lets his play do the talking for him in Game 3.