Milwaukee Bucks: Takeaways from 120-108 win over New Orleans Pelicans

Ball movement pays off

There were certainly some shaky moments during Tuesday’s game in New Orleans, particularly as the Bucks didn’t exactly start or finish the game at the peak of their powers. But that was countered by a middle section of the game when the Bucks looked even more formidable than usual.

The Bucks’ defense improved during that span, particularly in the third quarter, and after struggling knock down shots early, they found their groove in that department too. When it comes to the offense that produced 74 points between the third and fourth quarter, though, Milwaukee’s ball movement should not go overlooked.

For the night as a whole, the Bucks racked up an impressive 34 assists, a mark which equals their second highest total of dimes on the year to date.

This is made all the more impressive by the fact that the Bucks managed to dish assists out at that rate without having a backup point guard at their disposal, as George Hill continues to nurse an injury on the sidelines.

Of course, it helps that Antetokounmpo, Khris Middleton, and Eric Bledsoe combined for 21 assists in their own right. But given the ethos that Mike Budenholzer has always looked to instill in his teams, the nature of this win will be particularly pleasing to him.

The Bucks are back in action on Thursday as they’ll look to exact revenge against their rivals, the Philadelphia 76ers.