Season to Remember
No one knew coming into the 2019-2020 NBA season that a global pandemic would devastate the sports world and halt all gameplay. With the future of the season in jeopardy, it is essential to remember the good times that fans have witnessed; a Bucks team that blew through the league and created moments that can last a lifetime. Standing at 53-12, the best record in the league, let’s take a look back at Milwaukee’s five best moments from the 2019-2020 season.
5. Opening Night MVP Battle
On October 24, all eyes were on the city of Houston as the Rockets took on the Bucks. With Giannis Antetokounmpo taking home the MVP award over 2nd place finisher James Harden the past summer, it was a matchup that was as exciting as opening night could get. Especially with the newly acquired Russell Westbrook, many were eager to see how it would unfold.
At first, it seemed to be a night Milwaukee might want to forget. With the Bucks starting slow and rusty, Houston took a substantial 66-50 halftime lead. What the Rockets forgot, though, is that the Greek Freak and company never back down from a fight.
In the second half, the Bucks improved and made sure to feed No. 34 the ball. Antetokounmpo eventually fouled out, but he made his presence known. He finished with 30 points, 13 rebounds and 11 assists, his first triple-double of the season. With Middleton’s slow start, it took everything the Bucks had to earn their opening night win. Even though Westbrook shined in his H-Town debut with 24 points, the Bucks were able to hold Harden to just 19 on 2-13 shooting from the field.
In the end, it was a three-point shootout that the defined the game. The Bucks attempted 46 and the Rockets hoisted up 48, but each team had the same number of makes. It was not a pretty win, but the Bucks showed grit and preservation in a difficult situation. It was the first bit of proof of a theme that would soon define the season: Never count out The Deer.
4. Giannis Records 50 Against Utah
Who knew that a random Monday game in November would lead to an all-time excellent performance from the Greek Freak? Entering the season, the Jazz acquired Mike Conley, who many believed would turn Utah into a top team out West. Early on in the season, they were able to give the Bucks a real fight.
Unmistakably, Giannis had other plans. Spending a season-high 38 minutes on the court, Antetokounmpo went 17-31 on field goal attempts to accumulate his 50 points. What many don’t know, the most impressive feature of his play that night was that he finished with zero turnovers.
It is one thing to lay 50 points on a team that could potentially make a deep playoff run. It’s another entirely to not commit a single turnover. That Monday evening at Fiserv Forum truly showcased what Milwaukee has in Antetokounmpo: a once-in-a-generation player that — on any given night — can provide a performance for the ages. That type of performance is hard to come by, but, by Giannis standards, it was just another day in the park.
3. Bucks Expose The Clippers
Earlier in the season, Milwaukee took game one against the Clippers in Los Angeles. With Paul George still out, though, it was paid little attention, as most did not see this as a real test.
Later, on December 6, a much different narrative unfolded. Paul George was active along with the majority of the Clippers team. Most expected a back-and-forth contest, but the exact opposite unfolded. Jumping out to a 30-15 first-quarter lead, the Bucks never looked back.
In the third quarter, Milwaukee secured its victory by outscoring the Clippers 35-19. With the early work done, it made for a quick night for Antetokounmpo and Middleton, who contributed 26 and 25 minutes, respectively. And, given the opportunity to give the stars some much needed rest, the Bucks’ bench lit up the scoreboard as well. Donte DiVincenzo, Pat Connaughton and Ersan Ilyasova scored a combined 37 points. The stunned Clippers headed back to Los Angeles with the realization that if they want to compete with the best, they must go back to the drawing board.
2. Greek Freak Dethrones The King
Just weeks after dismantling one L.A. team, it was time to take on the other right here in Milwaukee. The Lakers showed early on that with Anthony Davis on the roster, they were the team to fear out West. Spectators and analysts had this game circled on their calendars for months, and it did not disappoint. A fierce battle ensued, but ultimately Milwaukee rose to the top, earning another victory over a league contender. Winning 111-104 was not easy, but Giannis’ big night gave him a chance to proclaim that he now wears the crown.
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A cool 34 points, 11 rebounds and seven assists seems to have become a typical stat line for the Greek Freak. What truly stood out that night, though, was the five three-pointers made by No. 34. The one part of Giannis’ game that faced major criticism was now turning a corner. Additionally, George Hill showcased why he is a legit Sixth Man of the Year nominee. He scored 21 points off the bench, and provided a valuable spark for the team. Even with LeBron James recording another triple-double, it was no match for Milwaukee. After a dominant 42-point first quarter, the Bucks never looked back.
1. Budenholzer Climbs To 100 Wins with Bucks
It may seem like just another win to Milwaukee, but it meant more than just a 116-103 victory over the Charlotte Hornets in Paris; rather, it marked win number 100 for Mike Budenholzer. In just 128 regular season games as head coach, Bud was able to accomplish this amazing feat. He became the third-fastest to get to 100 wins with one team, behind just Steve Kerr and Lakers Coach Bill Sherman. It speaks volumes to the Bucks’ decision to hire him back in 2018.
To put it into perspective, Jason Kidd needed three seasons with the Bucks to reach 100 wins. Budenholzer did it in half the time. Having an improved roster always helps, but Bud’s turnaround success shows why it was the right move. While also reaching the Eastern Conference Finals in his first season, it is clear that, on this path, Bud might go down as one of the greatest Milwaukee coaches of all time.
A Season Of Uncertainty
The sports world has never faced a scenario quite like what COVID-19 has brought. With all major sports leagues shut down in the United States and no timeline of return, we as fans must focus on the good, not the bad. Bucks fans have been craving a team like this one for a long time. No matter what transpires over the remainder of the season, the Bucks have gifted the city of Milwaukee memories that should bring everyone lasting joy. Even though it might feel as if Milwaukee lost a championship run, there are more pressing matters. So look back fondly on what the Bucks have been able to do so far, and before you know it, their opportunity to raise a banner in Fiserv Forum will come.
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