Milwaukee Bucks: Takeaways from 99-95 win over Detroit Pistons
By Adam Coffman
Giannis takes a step back
Falling short of his usual gaudy output with just 21 points, 16 field goal attempts, and one assist, this wasn’t so much of an off-game for Giannis as it was a reserved one.
Although he started off aggressive, scoring eight of the Bucks’ first 12 points, Antetokounmpo settled into more of a supporting role, putting up just four shots over the entire second half.
It’s refreshing to see the Bucks spread the ball around rather than becoming one-dimensional. For the first time in recent memory, the team wasn’t completely dependent on their star to create scoring chances every time down the floor.
Even when he isn’t scoring, Giannis’ reputation and abilities are enough to open up shots and driving lanes for his teammates, as was the case on Eric Bledsoe’s important bucket late.
Anthony Tolliver is forced to respect the Greek Freak rolling to the rim, which gives the ballhandler a wide open jumper.
On the defensive end, Giannis was his usual omnipresent, fearsome self, producing three steals and rejecting four shots, two of which came on the same possession.
It’s tough enough for opponents to stop Antetokounmpo on his own, but when his supporting cast is cooking, Milwaukee becomes a dangerous team indeed.