The Big Three march on
Even the worst losses have a silver lining to them and Milwaukee’s two star wings provided one on Friday night. Khris Middleton finished the night with 29 points, 6 rebounds, 6 assists and 4 steals, while Giannis Antetokounmpo had 29 points, 16 rebounds and 4 assists.
Antetokounmpo and Middleton were superb all night as Jason Kidd continually called on the duo to keep the Bulls in check. Eric Bledsoe, the third member of the Big Three had a quieter night with 12 points and 7 assists, but still combined with Antetokounmpo and Middleton to score 70 points between them.
The issue at this stage in the season is not the performance of Milwaukee’s stars, it’s finding them help. Only one other player reached double figures (John Henson) on a night when the Bulls’ bench completely outplayed the Bucks’ second unit. Ultimately, this was the difference in the game.
No one doubts the quality in Milwaukee’s best players as they’ve consistently hit the standards expected of them so far this season. What lies behind them in the rotation is what should really concern Bucks fans, and on Friday it really cost them in the end result.