Game 2: Milwaukee Bucks 113 Washington Wizards 118 Grades & Reactions
Oct 30, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Washington Wizards forward Otto Porter Jr. (22) drives for the basket against Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) in the first quarter at BMO Harris Bradley Center. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports
Deep breaths people.
Following a disappointing loss on opening night the Milwaukee Bucks came out with much better energy against the Washington Wizards.
Led by Giannis Antetokounmpo (destroyer of worlds) the Bucks looked like a different team top to bottom. The defense swarmed, the offense moved the ball, and much of the energy that was absent Wednesday night returned in an impressive way.
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After watching the loss to the Knicks from his living room, Giannis erupted in the first quarter scoring 11 points to go with five rebounds in the game’s first eight minutes. It was every bit a “revenge” performance . He took smart shots, showed patience underneath the rim, but most importantly provided the punch the team so desperately missed on Wednesday night.
Fueled by Giannis’ effort the Bucks rattled off 20 first half assists while earning a 65-61 halftime lead.
The third quarter saw more of the same from the young Bucks. Crisp passing. Open shots. Energy. Enthusiasm.
Despite getting in foul trouble early, and what appeared to be a thigh stinger to Giannis, the Bucks were able to increase their lead to 10 heading into the fourth quarter.
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But an 11-0 Wizards run midway through the fourth stymied any notion that the Bucks would simply walk away with a relatively easy win.
And when things got difficult for the Bucks they reverted to the style of play they showed against the Knicks. Too much dribbling. Too many turnovers. Too few shooters.
Despite their offensive struggles the Bucks were even with the Wizards with just over three minutes left.
Then the floor fell out from underneath their feet.
In a game-stealing three point barrage (four straight) the Wizards turned a 102-102 game into an insurmountable 114-106 advantage.
That’s it. That’s how it goes in the NBA. In just 100 seconds a game can go from competitive to out of reach.
In what could have been a confidence boosting home victory against a good team, the Bucks were instead handed a second consecutive disappointing loss.
Does this one sting as much as the listless drubbing by the Knicks? No–the Bucks looked every bit a quality team on Friday night. But there’s a difference between being a quality team and a team that closes out tight games.
That’s something that the young Bucks are going to have to master if they’re to reach the otherworldly heights that their talent promises.
For now it’s just another loss with some feel good moments.
Check out our Milwaukee Bucks grades and reactions for a complete breakdown of the 118-113 loss to the Wizards
Next: Reactions: The Good