Behind the Bucks Pass
Fansided

Milwaukee Bucks: Eric Bledsoe, Giannis Antetokounmpo look stellar in return

By Dalton Sell

DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 4: Eric Bledsoe #6 of the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks look on during the game against the Detroit Pistons on December 4, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - DECEMBER 4: Eric Bledsoe #6 of the Milwaukee Bucks and Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks look on during the game against the Detroit Pistons on December 4, 2019 at Little Caesars Arena in Detroit, Michigan. NOTE TO USER: User expressly acknowledges and agrees that, by downloading and/or using this photograph, User is consenting to the terms and conditions of the Getty Images License Agreement. Mandatory Copyright Notice: Copyright 2019 NBAE (Photo by Chris Schwegler/NBAE via Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit

After several missed games due to injury, both Eric Bledsoe and Giannis Antetokounmpo returned for the Milwaukee Bucks against the Chicago Bulls, and played exceptionally well.

With all of the success the Milwaukee Bucks have had so far this season, some of the adversity that they’ve had to deal with in terms of injuries has likely flown under the radar in the wider NBA discussion.

After missing the previous eight games due to a right fibula avulsion fracture, Eric Bledsoe looked as if he hadn’t missed a beat in his return against the Chicago Bulls. In 16 minutes of action, the point guard was a +26 on the court, scoring 15 points to go along with three rebounds and three assists.

More from Bucks News

Shooting 62.5 percent from the field and 50 percent from behind the arc, Bledsoe’s offense looked great in his restricted minutes. The defense was also impressive, as Bledsoe came up with four steals on the night, doubling his previous season-high.

Giannis Antetokounmpo also looked good after missing two games with back soreness, securing a double-double with 23 points and 10 rebounds. Shooting 57.1 percent from the field, the MVP was also able to get his teammates involved with six assists on the night. The 25-year-old’s recent back soreness also appeared non-existent, as he added to his league-best 112 dunks with a thunderous dunk over Zach LaVine.

Going a perfect 6-of-6 from the line as well, Antetokounmpo had everything going for him on the night. The only area there was any sign of struggle was from deep, but even that had some significance. Giannis only shot 1-of-3 from deep on the night, but that single make gave him 53 on the season, one more than his total for all of last season.

The three-point shot has been one of the most highlighted aspects of Antetokounmpo’s season, as his confidence continues to grow with each game. Eclipsing his total from last year in 40 less regular-season games is exciting for fans of the Bucks to think about as Giannis continues to develop that shot.

Antetokounmpo may have been down from his season average of 30.3 points per game in his return, but he got some help from the rest of the lineup, as six total Milwaukee players scored in double figures.  Wesley Matthews nagging thigh injury spoiled seeing a fully loaded Bucks team back in action, but that has been the case for most of this season as Milwaukee have frequently been forced to deal with injuries to starters.

Next. Sterling Brown’s quiet offensive regression. dark

The Bucks have played a majority of the season without their starting lineup fully in-tact but continue to dominate regardless. With the league’s best record at 30-5 and their roster approaching full-strength soon, there is no ceiling for this Milwaukee Bucks team if they continue to play like this.

Home/Bucks News