Feb 9, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dribbles against Brooklyn Nets guard Bojan Bogdanovic (44) during the second quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
There’s two editions of the 2014-15 Milwaukee Bucks. There’s the sans-Giannis version which, though effective, never melts your brain. Then there’s the with-Giannis version featuring: energy, rebounding, passing, swag, and excitement. Both editions came together as the Milwaukee Bucks beat the Brooklyn Nets 103-97.
The Bucks got off to a rotten start, allowing Brooklyn to shoot 12-17 from the field in the first quarter, including 4-7 from three as the Nets raced out to a 30-24 lead at the end of one. The Nets continued their strong play well into the second quarter opening with an 11-0 run to take a 41-24 lead.
Giannis drew tantalizingly close to a triple-double with twelve points, nine rebounds, and eight assists before taking a seat in the fourth quarter.
Then Giannis Antetokounmpo happened.
The Eastern Conference Player of the Week provided instant energy after re-entering the game–resuscitating a dead Bucks offense by scoring the first two points of the quarter on a pair of free throws and handing out assists on three straight possessions. The Bucks never looked back as they ripped off a 55-25 run to claim a 79-66 third quarter lead.
Giannis drew tantalizingly close to a triple-double with twelve points, nine rebounds, and eight assists before taking a seat in the fourth quarter.
The sans-Giannis Bucks took center stage in the final period, methodically defending Milwaukee’s lead. They were efficient and boring, but ultimately effective at closing out the game.
Brooklyn made a serious late run, but never got within five points as O.J. Mayo scored nine fourth quarter points and Khris Middleton delivered the “good-night” jumper with 51 seconds left in the game.
Zaza returned from his calf injury in a limited role—notably providing a tap-out to Middleton after grabbing three consecutive offensive rebounds.
Aside from the disastrous first quarter, the Bucks played their usual grind-it-out defensive stalwart style. The defense totaled 14 steals and out-rebounded the Nets 44-38 despite Brook Lopez and Mason Plumlee taking up considerable space in the paint.
There’s a lot to cover in our Milwaukee Bucks grades and notes. Let’s get to it.
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