3 takeaways from Milwaukee Bucks’ close call win versus Orlando Magic
By Dalton Sell
Giannis Antetokounmpo and Bobby Portis continue to be a lethal one-two punch for the Milwaukee Bucks
Amidst the team’s struggles to start the season, Antetokounmpo and Portis have proven to be a constant spark for the Bucks. Both have been playing at a high level, which has been especially true over this three-game winning streak, where the two have turned it up a notch.
Antetokounmpo propelled the Bucks to victory by scoring 32 points on 8-of-16 shooting from the field, his most important bucket being a dagger dunk. The Greek Freak was in attack mode all night on the offensive end, and he was met with physicality as he went to the line for an astounding 23 free throw attempts, making 15 of them. Antetokounmpo has been aggressive as ever over these past few games in the winning streak, and the results are paying off.
Yet, he did far more than just score the basketball as he hauled in an eye-catching 20 of the team’s 60 rebounds while also handing out five assists. According to the NBA, Antetokounmpo is the first player since Willie Naulls in 1959 to record 30 points, 20 rebounds, and five assists in fewer than 35 minutes. Antetokounmpo played just a tick over 30. Incredible stuff as always from the reigning NBA Finals MVP. Still, all that does not even cover how great Antetokounmpo was on the opposite side of things as he tallied three blocked shots and two steals, making his presence felt all night.
Portis helped Antetokounmpo out by adding 24 points of his own, mostly propelled by his outside shooting. It was a season-high point total for the big man as he continues stepping up offensively each and every night with several typical players missing from the rotation. The same goes for his rebounding, as he also pulled down a season-high with 15. He was authoritative on the glass from start to finish, which was a welcoming sign, given how much teams have exposed the Bucks there without Brook Lopez. As Lopez remains sidelined, Portis will continue to play this heightened role, and he is proving that he is up for the challenge.
What Antetokounmpo and Portis have done over these past three games is incredible, and they must aim to keep it going for the Milwaukee Bucks.
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Be sure to catch these two when they square off against the Orlando Magic again this Monday, where you can watch at 6:30 p.m. CST on Bally Sports Wisconsin.