Milwaukee Bucks: Takeaways from 102-96 win over Minnesota Timberwolves

Bledshow

John Henson shot 100 percent from the field, Giannis Antetokounmpo had 22 points and 10 boards, Malcolm Brogdon played great, but Eric Bledsoe is the reason the Bucks won. Bledsoe was a menace on both ends of the court and dominated Tyus Jones for the entire game.

Offensively, Bledsoe scored 26 points on above 50 percent shooting, while going a perfect 8-of-8 from the line. Bledsoe also knocked in two of his four three-pointers, and dished six assists as well.

Much of Bledsoe’s success on offense was the result of his aggressiveness. Bledsoe looked to attack early and often, finding easy transition scoring opportunities and slicing the defense through dribble penetration in the pick-and-roll. Jones is normally Minnesota’s back-up point guard and it was made evident on Thursday that he had no business guarding Bledsoe.

While, Bledsoe was a force on offense against the Timberwolves on Thursday night, it’s possible his defense was even more impressive. Bledsoe lived in the passing lanes against the Timberwolves, recording five steals, often leading to fast-break opportunities. Bledsoe played aggressive defense without offering scoring opportunities to opponents, as he also held Jones to just six points in 35 minutes of action.