In a game that felt far more like a preseason contest, the Milwaukee Bucks pulled their starters at halftime but still prevailed in the end over Sacramento, 131-123. The Bucks ended 20-45 (44%) from deep. With 12 minute quarters back, the Bucks bludgeoned their way to 38 points in the first period. By halftime, they led 80-60, with Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the scoring at that time with 15 points, nine rebounds and six assists. On top of that, he went 11-13 from the free throw line.
That would prove the end of his day, same with Khris Middleton, who had 11 points and seven rebounds. By game’s end, Brook Lopez led all Bucks starters with 21 points, including 4-6 from deep, another promising performance after his 3-3 in the first contest. Kyle Korver added a team-high 22, curling around screens all day for a solid shooting performance.
Bonus Bucks Bits
Anyone have money on Marvin Williams and Ersan Ilyasova running a little two man game on the right wing? Some nifty old man connection between those two led to a backdoor layup in the first.
Shameless plug for my piece on Lopez in the post. In the second quarter, they went to him on a mismatch against Corey Brewer that yielded an eventual trip to the free throw line.
Mike Budenholzer broke out a double Lopez lineup alongside Giannis for a supersized approach against the Kings smallball, where Harry Giles was the center.
I almost didn’t recognize De’Aaron Fox at the free throw line initially with his short haircut. Gotta say I miss the longer locks a little.
What has stood out to me thus far has been the quality of Khris Middleton’s pick and roll game. Even with Marvin Williams, the newcomer, he threaded the needle for a picture perfect pass on the roll. Great work by Williams to handle it and maneuver through a few defenders for a finish.
Wesley Matthews collided with Harry Giles in the third, and appeared to be grabbing his left ankle as he hobbled off the court. He appeared okay as he walked around near the bench.
Harry Giles and Wesley Matthews just collided with each other as Matthews ran back on defense. Both rolled around on the ground in pain for a little while before getting back up.
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) July 25, 2020
Old Buck Jabari Parker got some late-game action matching up with Ersan Ilyasova during the fourth.
I felt good for D.J. Wilson here. I don’t get to say that often. This deserves even more significance given old Corey Brewer straight up picked his pocket in the fourth.
ON HIS HEAD!! pic.twitter.com/8BFqczwrX8
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) July 25, 2020