Milwaukee Bucks: Takeaways from 109-104 win over Sacramento Kings
By Ben Sewell
A big three in Milwaukee
For the first time in a very long time, the Milwaukee Bucks have a genuine “Big Three” and they are scarily good when they’re all locked in.
On Saturday, Antetokounmpo (33 points, 15 rebounds, 5 assists), Khris Middleton (25 points, 2 rebounds) and Eric Bledsoe (19 points, 4 rebounds, 2 assists) combined to score over 70 percent of Milwaukee’s total points.
Not since 2015-16, have Milwaukee been able to place a consistent, go-to trio on the floor and as of right now, they are reaping the benefits. Antetokounmpo’s pick-and-roll play with Bledsoe has been excellent, while their ability to get out on the fast break has been unstoppable at times.
That’s not to mention Middleton, who has well and truly shrugged off his slow start to become one of the elite scorers in the NBA of late. Middleton was superb on Saturday night, hitting several crucial jumpers late in the game to maintain Milwaukee’s lead. He also finished the night with half of the Bucks’ made three-point shots, as Milwaukee struggled all night (apart from Middleton) from deep.
Just how Jabari Parker fits into this lineup when he returns in the new year will be up for debate, as currently he would find himself hard pressed to push any of the starting five down the order. Even the likes of Tony Snell and John Henson have performed above and beyond expectation this season.
But as of right now, the Milwaukee Bucks have a genuine Big Three, and they are winning basketball games as a result.