Both teams scored a lot of points, but the Milwaukee Bucks ended their home stand with a much-needed win over the Spurs.
The Milwaukee Bucks bounced back from a disappointing home loss to the Phoenix Suns with a big 135-129 win over the visiting San Antonio Spurs. As you can see by the score, defense was certainly optional for both teams on Saturday night at Fiserv Forum. Who doesn’t love a good old-fashioned Western shootout?
Giannis Antetokounmpo, again, willed the Milwaukee Bucks to victory over the Spurs. He finished with 34 points, 18 rebounds, 8 assists, 2 steals, and one block in 39 minutes. The Greek Freak made 9-of-16 shots and 16-of-20 free throws. A night removed from scoring a season-high 35 points, Giannis showed no signs of slowing down. He’s simply amazing. He was visibly frustrated with the lack of foul calls he was getting in the first half, but he was rewarded with multiple trips to the foul line in the 4th quarter. He scored 14 points in the final quarter and really helped propel the Bucks to a huge victory. He was also doing stuff like this. We’re spoiled.
For the second night in a row, Bucks guard Malcolm Brogdon was presidential as ever. He chipped in 23 points and came up HUGE in the final quarter making a few clutch shots for the Bucks. Overall, he sank 10-of-15 shots and 3-of-5 three-pointers in 35 big minutes. He made a driving layup which he kissed high-off the glass to put the Bucks up 121-120 and they did not look back after that. It’s obvious why Bucks’ head coach Mike Budenholzer has so much trust in Brogdon. He simply makes big plays when it matters the most. He won’t wow you with flashiness or athleticism, but he’s clearly a big part of what the Milwaukee Bucks are trying to do.
For the Bucks, point guard Eric Bledsoe was FANTASTIC. He finished with 20 points, 4 rebounds, 10 assists (2 turnovers!!!), and 2 steals in 35 minutes of action. He made 8-of-15 shots and got it done on both ends of the floor. Giannis Antetokounmpo has been the NBA MVP thus far, but Eric Bledsoehas definitely been the MVP for the Bucks this season. His improved play offensively and his tenacious defense has really helped elevate this Bucks team this season. This is exactly what the Milwaukee Bucks needed from him coming into this season, and he’s answered the call admirably. A side note, I also LOVE how he got a tech for arguing a clear block from Thon Maker on the defensive end. LOOK AT HIM GO!
Bonus Bucks Bits
Khris Middleton scored 21 points on 8-of-14 shooting and had a nice-bounce back performance after stinking up the joint against the Suns on Friday night.
4 Bucks scored 20+ points last night.
Sterling Brown, not to be forgotten, played a big role in helping the Bucks claw their way back into the game. In 16 minutes off the bench, he added 11 points on 3-of-4 shooting from deep and provided some hard-nosed defense. He’s tough.
Every starter for the Milwaukee Bucks finished with a positive rating.
The Bucks shot 57% from the field, 37.5% from deep on 40 tries, and 75.9% from the charity stripe. That’ll do Bucks, that’ll do.
The Bucks finished with 30 assists and only 13 turnovers on 49 made field goals.