Mar 9, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; New Orleans Pelicans forward Dante Cunningham (44) and Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) chase the loose ball during the third quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
In a showcase of their immense talent Giannis Antetokounmpo and Anthony Davis battled each other all night scoring a total of 72 points on 28-39 shooting. Giannis Antetokounmpo led the Bucks with a career-high 29 points, but it wasn’t enough to beat Anthony Davis (43 points, 17-23 shooting) and the New Orleans Pelicans who defeated the Milwaukee Bucks 114-103.
After struggling against the Wizards, Giannis played a fierce and passionate game scoring on a variety of lightning fast attacks, spin moves, and fast break dunks. His 7-7 free throw shooting is indicative of just how aggressive Giannis played all night. He fearlessly attacked the Pelican’s interior defense, including back to back scores that gave the Bucks a brief 101-100 lead with 3:35 left in the game.
But Anthony Davis could not be stopped. He responded to Giannis’ strong play with eight straight Pelicans points leading New Orleans to a 108-103 lead with :50 remaining.
It was a remarkable shooting night from Davis who shot 12-17 outside the paint. It simply didn’t matter who the Bucks threw at him, be it Giannis, Henson, Zaza, or anyone else unlucky enough to be matched up against the excellent big man. There was just no stopping him.
Overall the Bucks played a very good game. They shot .521 on 37-71 shooting, shot 25-31 from the free throw line, forced 11 steals, and outscored the Pelicans in the paint 42-36. You would like them to be able to come up with more late-game scoring (they scored just two points in the last 3:35); but that’s something that should develop with experience.
Despite the loss there’s plenty to be optimistic about–like Giannis’ career-high 29 points or Michael Carter-Williams’ 25 points and 7 assists, or Khris Middleton’s 16th straight double-digit scoring game (17 points tonight). Read more about it in our Milwaukee Bucks grades and reactions.
Next: Reactions: The Good