The Milwaukee Bucks got the best of the visiting Cleveland Cavaliers 127-105 to pick up their 55th victory of the season. The Bucks now stand at 30-6 when playing in the Fiserv Forum. It was a great afternoon all-around, especially with the halftime retirement of Marques Johnson’s #8 jersey. A true basketball pioneer, indeed. Here are three observations from win #55.
Giannis Antetokounmpo: still making it look extremely easy.
He dropped an efficient 26 points, 10 rebounds, seven assists, and four blocks in 32 minutes. He relentlessly attacked the Cavs’ hapless interior defense early and often and even threw down multiple ferocious jams in the first quarter. He converted on 11-of-16 shots and is now shooting 64.5% on two-pointers and a robust 74% of his attempts at the rim. Goodness gracious, Giannis.
Giannis bumps Tristan Thompson out of his way then throws down a dunk! pic.twitter.com/OL4km0Q0Yu
— Ballislife.com (@Ballislife) March 24, 2019
Welcome back, Sterling Brown.
A vital piece to Milwaukee’s bench, Brown’s season has unfortunately been cut a bit short due to some nagging injuries. However, in the two games, since he’s returned, he looks just as spry on the floor. I love the tenacity he plays with on both sides of the ball, and it is quite infectious. He finished yesterday’s game with 12 points on 5-of-8 shooting in 17 minutes. With the Bucks already dealing with a myriad of injuries to multiple contributors, the return of Sterling Brown could not have come at a better time. It’s good to have you back, Sterling.
Sterling Brown with the JAM! @thatnegus_sb pic.twitter.com/7gFnOcBrTK
— Cream City Central (@CreamCityCtral) March 24, 2019
A George Hill revenge game?
Probably not, but he was clicking on all cylinders offensively yesterday afternoon versus the Cavs. In 21 minutes off the bench, he poured in 17 points while sinking 7-of-8 shots from the field. The 17 points were the most he’s scored in a Bucks uniform and he was active all afternoon. He really looked to push the ball in transition, and also caused problems for the Cavs on the defensive end. A savvy veteran like George Hill will help the Bucks more than you think in the postseason. Now healthy, he’s still got a lot of gas left in the tank.
Bonus Bucks
- Brook Lopez was splashing three-pointers early and often against Cleveland and ended with 14 points (4-of-7 from deep). He now holds the record for most three-pointers made in a single season by a 7-footer. Thank you, Lakers.
- Khris Middleton was quiet until the fourth quarter rolled around. He contributed with 17 points, five rebounds, and three assists. He’s really stepped up during the absence of Malcolm Brogdon.
- Tony Snell scored 12 points on 4-of-6 shooting but did twist his ankle pretty badly. I won’t speculate on the severity, but the Bucks cannot afford another player to injury.
- Headband Eric Bledsoe dropped an easy 12 points, five rebounds, and seven assists in 28 minutes. He shot the ball only seven times, and it was nice to see him have an efficient game during his cold shooting slump.
- The Bucks made 54.7% of their shots and 34.3% of their three-pointers.