Milwaukee Bucks: Takeaways from 93-85 win over Charlotte Hornets

CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 01: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks with the ball during the first quarter during their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on March 01, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA - MARCH 01: Giannis Antetokounmpo #34 of the Milwaukee Bucks with the ball during the first quarter during their game against the Charlotte Hornets at Spectrum Center on March 01, 2020 in Charlotte, North Carolina. 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. (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
2 of 4
Next
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 01: (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images)
CHARLOTTE, NORTH CAROLINA – MARCH 01: (Photo by Jacob Kupferman/Getty Images) /

Giannis’ new watermark

On a day where the Bucks didn’t have much of anything going on, superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo was there to save the day with a dominant performance that’s been in line with his 2019-20 season.

Seeing the floor for nearly 35 minutes, Antetokounmpo finished with 41 points on 17-of-28 shooting from the field (1-for-4 from downtown, 6-for-7 from the foul line), 20 rebounds, six assists, three turnovers, one steal and was a +22 on the day.

The reigning MVP absolutely ran through all Hornets defenders on his way to the cup and showing off a variety of power and dexterity finishing at the basket. Antetokounmpo accounted for 28 of the Bucks’ 50 points in the paint, per NBA.com/stats.

When he wasn’t spinning and throwing down slam dunks at the basket, Antetokounmpo was very willing to show off his in-between game and range shooting. And the 25-year-old continues to show off his smooth jumpshot in those situations.

On a day when the Bucks were without All-Star swingman Khris Middleton, who missed a second straight game with neck soreness, Antetokounmpo’s overall influence was sorely needed for a Bucks team that was lacking direction without him on the floor. The Bucks were a -14 in the 13 minutes without Antetokounmpo.

And as the Bucks struggled to fend off the Hornets for much of the day, Antetokounmpo showed them their way to victory.