The Bucks didn’t disappoint a packed house in last night’s Fiserv Forum opener. Milwaukee routed an Indiana franchise they’re trying to chase down, 118-101. While the impressive win wasn’t too surprising considering the new energy of Mike Budenholzer and preseason success, three things stood out as intriguing going forward. While the Pacers limp back to the bus wondering what the heck happened, Bud and Giannis’s stampeding winners loudly built a 2-0 start and further confidence.
Giannis Can Earn MVP, But Will Have to Battle For it
For several years Giannis has been a trendy MVP Pick. And Friday’s era-opening blowout gave plenty of reasons to expect it. He impressively produced 26 points against a Pacer team seemingly confused on both ends:
But Khris Middleton ensured that Giannis wouldn’t be a one-man team, joining five teammates in double figures:
But the box score doesn’t describe the Greek Freak’s trials. Officials called travelling pretty tight and hit him with some ticky-tack fouls. (After one odd call Giannis even ran down to the official to plead his case, only to get a stoic scowl). It’s well known that NBA superstars get special treatment. It looks like Giannis will have to elevate his dominance even further (if this is possible!) to shrug off the last doubts.
Milwaukee Is A Great Sports Town
With all the attention on the Brewers, there couldn’t be any zip left for the Bucks, right? WRONG! Although not quite at full capacity or volume, Fiserv offered a delicious taste of NBA homerism at its best. Even Bucks ushers couldn’t contain their excitement:
Meanwhile, at Miller Park $500 seats, is there time for baseball? Nope! Bucks take priority:
After the Bucks clinched win #1 at the Forum, fans quickly filled Fiserv’s beer garden to watch the conclusion of game 6 of the NLCS.
Optimism that isn’t false PR
Sure, fans of bad teams have heard it all before. “Maybe next year. This is our year…! This year for…sure”. Several years ago, a Detroit Lions fan even got a Super Bowl champion tattoo to buck a longstanding trend of poor play. (Perhaps Aaron Rodgers can direct him to a removal clinic). But this year, the Bucks don’t need tired public relations. Milwaukee has teased fans for years with outstanding post play but poor attention to detail and perimeter shooting. Bud’s brilliance has turned that tantalizing promise into a beautiful breakaway. The Bucks record for threes in a game is 19. Friday the team nailed 17 in 47 attempts– in the season’s second game! While Boston meanders into the playoffs with slow assurance (and goodness knows where Indiana goes from here), Milwaukee is shooting for playoff rounds not sniffed since the dreams of Kareem. And with the legend himself sitting courtside, the future, present, and past all converge into a sure period of Milwaukee Bucks excellence.
