Triple threat
Where else to start with looking back on Thursday night’s tilt than the tremendous performance of Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo.
Playing over 32 minutes of action, Antetokounmpo finished with 34 points on 19 shots (5-for-8 from three, 7-for-10 from the foul line), 11 rebounds, seven assists, four turnovers, a steal, a block and was a +7 on the night.
It was incredibly fitting for Antetokounmpo’s first bucket of the night to come from 3-point range as he routinely made the Lakers, specifically Anthony Davis, pay with all of the space they were willing to cede to Antetokounmpo from that range. And the reigning MVP’s five triples not only led the way for the Bucks to craft their fifth-most efficient 3-point outing collectively this season, but it also marked his new career-high for a single game.
As he continued mixing in shots from long range, Antetokounmpo made the Lakers pay for any defensive lapses and misguided switches to attack the basket with plenty of ferocity. And while there was some early shakiness from the free throw line, Antetokounmpo battled through those woes to come away with a solid night from the charity stripe by his season’s standards.
Doing all of this while battling through foul trouble, which forced the 25-year-old to sit for some crucial stretches during the second half, Antetokounmpo overcame plenty of adversity as he did what he always does: steering his team to victory.
And any time Antetokounmpo scores more points from the 3-point line (15) compared to inside the paint (10) will be good business for the Bucks.