Milwaukee Bucks: Takeaways from 122-101 win over Portland Trail Blazers

The MVP returns

A night after finishing with his quietest performance of the season, Bucks superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo got back to doing what he does best, that being powering the Bucks to a decisive victory.

Playing 28 and a half minutes of action, Antetokounmpo finished with 32 points on 23 shots (2-for-4 from three, 4-of-7 from the free throw line), 17 rebounds, six assists, three turnovers and was a +20 on the night.

The reigning MVP got off to a blazing start and quickly took advantage of the lack of size, especially with Hassan Whiteside sidelined, and Portland’s defensive disorganization as he ran through their interior defense all game long. And with plenty of runway to get downhill to the cup, Antetokounmpo scored 20 points in the paint.

In addition to returning to his bread and butter, Antetokounmpo showed off his shooting stroke with his pair of triples as well as mid-range jumper that kickstarted his game.

Chipping in with double-digit rebounds, mostly on the defensive glass, and dishing out the rock to open shooters to further reinforce Milwaukee’s lead, Antetokounmpo checked all of the boxes for a performance that’s up to his usual standard.