Milwaukee Bucks: 3 takeaways from preseason loss to Dallas Mavericks

3 takeaways from the Milwaukee Bucks preseason loss to the Dallas Mavericks: Giannis Antetokounmpo is more than ready for the real games

Giannis Antetokounmpo came out firing with a smooth pull-up three in transition and kept up that energy throughout his 25 minutes of action.

Antetokounmpo finished with 26 points, 10 boards, two assists, and a steal in his third preseason contest. More importantly, he went 9-for-11 from the field, hit both of his 3s, and went 6-for-9 from the line. Giannis has showcased a much smoother-looking jumper this preseason and he’s looking much more confident taking those shots.

He had a possession in the first quarter where he dribbled into the lane, posted up, and hit a 15-foot fadeaway jumper. It’s only three preseason games and two in particular where Antetokounmpo was hitting his jumpers, but it’s an encouraging sign as we head into the regular season.

As a whole, Antetokounmpo was his usual aggressive self in this one. Despite having confidence in his jumper, he was still aggressive in attacking the rim and recognized when he had a mismatch, which was most of the game (Maxi Kleber had a tough night at the defensive end on Antetokounmpo).

The biggest thing to come out of this preseason for Antetokounmpo is that he looks healthy, doesn’t look limited by his left knee that he said was still nagging him at the beginning of training camp. He initially sat out the beginning of training camp but looks more than ready for the real games to start and take on the Brooklyn Nets.