Milwaukee vs. Washington: Bucks Cast Spell against Wizards, 135-134

In a nailbiter of a finish, the Bucks would claw past the Wizards, 135-134.

The scoring would light with the flick of a match to start this one off. Bradley Beal wasted no time getting himself inserted into the scoring column, as his 12 points helped grant the Wizards a 37-29 advantage after one. Donte DiVincenzo had a positive impact with 10 points in the opening period.

The Bucks would make things closer in the second, much to the strong play of Donte DiVincenzo, who kept creating a strong impact. Fouls and turnovers would continue to dampen things for the Bucks, but going into the break, they found themselves tied 71-71.

The Bucks would continue the momentum that they generated in the second quarter, riding out a strong performance in the third. A shot by Jrue Holiday with 0.9 seconds left would pave an eight point lead for Milwaukee going into the final period of regulation, 103-95.

Washington would score the first 11 points of the 4th quarter, which leap-frogged them back in front. However, the Bucks continued to stay strong, and a pair of big threes from Pat Connaughton couldn’t have come at a better time. Brook Lopez then followed up with a big offensive board and put-back. However, the Wizards weren’t done. It eventually came down to a Garrison Mathews half-court heave at the buzzer that nearly went in, but the Bucks scratched out a 135-134 victory.

Jrue Holiday led the way for the Bucks, wringing out a 29 point performance on 10-of-20 shooting.

For Washington, Bradley Beal showcased his talents with a game-high 42 points. Russell Westbrook would earn another triple-double with 29 points, 12 rebounds, and 17 assists.

What Did We Learn?

We learned just how big of an impact Donte DiVincenzo can have when he’s on his game. With Khris Middleton having been ruled out, it was imperative for somebody to step up, and Donte answered the bell. His shot was grooving, as he contributed with five threes on the evening and a total of 19 points on the evening. It’ll be intriguing to see how the Big Ragu uses this as momentum moving forward and trying to keep the momentum on his side.

Three Observations

It’s impossible to get tired of Jrue Holiday.

Just another masterful performance from the Bucks’ point guard. Holiday would put forth a 29 point performance, which led the way for Milwaukee on the evening. He’d also tally some nice assists (finishing with six on the evening), but none were bigger in the closing seconds on the dishes to Pat Connaughton. In his postgame presser, Bud attributed Holiday’s willingness to find others and make the right decision as why he’s such a good basketball. The presence he has on this team truly is incredible and a joy to watch.

Have a game, Pat Connaughton!

Speaking of Pat Connaughton, man, did he have a great game last night. He’d knock down not one, not two, not three, but four 3-point shots on the evening, totaling 16 points on the night. The biggest of those were the six points that he shot late in the fourth quarter, both of which were a thing of beauty. Throughout the year, Pat has really taken his game to the next level and connected on a lot of big shots throughout this season. Looking at his overall approach, Bud praised how he’s taken his craft to another level. He mentioned how he’s really working in the gym to extend his shot, and last night, that really came to fruition.

Let’s chat again about Bryn Forbes again, shall we?

He has been such a strong addition to this squad. Like, my oh my. Once again, he flashed just how quick he can make an impact. This time around, he’d pour in 14 in his 26 minutes of action. It’s going to be so much fun watching him in the postseason, as you just know that when the time comes, he’ll connect on a crucial three. And when he does? Fiserv is going to erupt. It’ll be great to have him providing a spark in those postseason moments.

Bonus Bucks Bits

• At one point, we saw Thanasis on Russ and it was exactly as entertaining as you’d expect (Thanasis also ended up winning the battle).
• It was not a pretty night for the Bucks in the turnover department, as they totaled 19 last night compared to Washington’s seven. At one point, Bud slammed the digital board behind him he was so displeased. Look for the Bucks to slice that number in half come Friday night vs. the Rockets.
• The Bucks also racked up the fouls in this one. Everybody mentioned how they’ll have to be better, adjust, and play how the game is being called. Donte really mentioned how important it is for the squad to adapt night in and night out.
• How about Jeff Teague too? He’d register a +14 RPM on the evening by pouring in 11 points in 23 minutes played. It’s clear how big of an impact Teague’s presence has had on this squad so far, and will surely continue to be in the playoffs.
• Okay, let’s talk about the Wizards jerseys. I like these that say District on them. Overall, I’m a fan of the red, white, and blue. However, I think I’m in the minority that enjoyed the dark gold/blue from the Gilbert Arenas years.