Now, I do not want to say that these week-in-reviews are having any semblance of an effect on the Bucks’ current position. However, let me just say that they just cannot seem to lose since these have started, and that may or may not be a coincidence.
Seriously, though, regardless of what has kept this run going, this Bucks team is really, really good. They have one of the best players, perhaps even the best, that the franchise has ever seen in Giannis Antetokounmpo. They have an incredibly deep roster bolstered by starters like Khris Middleton and Eric Bledsoe and bench players such as George Hill and Donte DiVincenzo, the Bucks can hit you from all angles and from all parts of their team. This depth was on full display this week, as the Bucks continued to cruise.
12/2: vs. New York Knicks
Result: 132-88 W
For the second game in a row, the Bucks had a slight change in their starting lineup, in name only, as Robin Lopez took over at center for his brother. Against the New York Knicks of 2019, though, Milwaukee would not need much from him or any of the other starters for that matter. To put things in perspective, D.J. Wilson played 24 minutes in this affair, leading the team in that category. Leading by as much as 41 on a pair of occasions in the third quarter, New York never stood a chance, and neither did Julius Randle on the above slam by the Greek Freak.
Top Performers
Giannis Antetokounmpo: 29p/15r/3a, 3/4 3P in 22 minutes
D.J. Wilson: 19p/5r, 8/9 FG and 3/4 3P in 24 minutes off the bench
12/4: @ Detroit Pistons
Result: 127-103 W
Coming into just their third division match-up since November 18th, the Pistons could very well have proven to be a tough opponent for the Bucks on this night, with the newly reformed front-court of Blake Griffin and Andre Drummond leading the way. That would not turn out to be the case, but things would get a little bit chippy at times. Chief among these was Bruce Brown and Griffin trapping Giannis in the corner before Giannis fell to the ground and Griffin stepped over his legs. This incited a response from Khris Middleton, standing up for his teammate and earning himself, Griffin and Brown technical fouls in the process. This came with the Bucks leading 65-57, and the Bucks would respond in kind, finishing the game on a 62-46 advantage. While Giannis would have his typical production with 35 points and 9 rebounds, Matt Velazquez pointed out an interesting tidbit about his zero in the assists column after the game. The Bucks did not need everything out of him, though, as they notched yet another win in that column.
Top Performers
Giannis Antetokounmpo: 35p/9r, 4/8 3P in 28 minutes
Eric Bledsoe: 13p/6r/6a/1b, 6/11 FG
12/6: vs. Los Angeles Clippers
Result: 119-91 W
One of the first games that Bucks fans circled on their calendars, the LA Clippers came to town on Friday night. So many things made this match-up so intriguing, from Kawhi’s return to Milwaukee after last year’s playoffs to LA’s dynamic duo coming here for the first time.
It was all so intriguing, then the game started. Just as the Bucks have done throughout their entire win streak, they exerted their will early and never let up, going on a 14-0 run to make it 25-12 in the first quarter. They would take as much as a 41-point lead in the final quarter, leading the Fiserv Forum crowd into a frenzy. This was only increased by the reactions of the Greek Freak to some “Happy Birthday chants” directed his way by the fans, after which a Pat Connaughton dunk got the bench going in a major way. A big-time win in a big-time game, the Bucks certainly made a statement that will be felt in Milwaukee for a long time.
Top Performers
Giannis Antetokounmpo: 27p/11r/4a
Khris Middleton: 17p/6r/5a/1b
12/9 vs. Orlando Magic
Result: 110-101 W
The Bucks pushed their streak to 15 after defeating the Orlando Magic 110-101 on Monday night. It wasn’t the blowout-type win we’ve seen like the past several games, but the Bucks still got the job done despite the Magic giving Milwaukee a run for their streak. They even got to celebrate Eric Bledsoe’s 30th birthday afterwards.
https://twitter.com/BucksLead/status/1204479409455022080
Top Performers
Giannis Antetokounmpo: 32p/15r/8a
Khris Middleton: 20p/9r/4a
Up Next
Wednesday night brings an ESPN match-up with the up-and-coming New Orleans Pelicans, who could present a challenge (especially with Giannis out) despite their 6-18 record. Another road/home back-to-back comes a’ calling beginning with a trip to Memphis to face the Grizzlies on Friday, followed by a third meeting of the season with Cleveland on Saturday to finish up a four-game week.
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