3 takeaways from the Milwaukee Bucks’ ugly loss to Cleveland Cavaliers

Thanasis Antetokounmpo turned heads as he clocked in the best game of his NBA career in Milwaukee Bucks’ loss to Cleveland Cavaliers

Thanasis Antetokounmpo has not made too many regular appearances for the Milwaukee Bucks this season, but he was given the starting nod in this one. Like Rayjon Tucker, he unquestionably took advantage as he played some fantastic basketball from start to finish against the Cavaliers.

Offensively, Thanasis has never been known as much of a scorer, but he quieted that notion as he notched 27 points against Cleveland, the second most on Milwaukee’s roster. Shooting 9-of-14 on his field-goal attempts, Antetokounmpo did most of his damage by attacking the hoop with a few tough layups or dazzling dunks, but he also showed off his jumper on several occasions, one that included a rare 3-point make. Thanasis has also had his share of struggles at the free throw line in the past, but he looked solid as he shot 8-of-10 from the stripe to help propel his career game.

In addition to his scoring contributions, Antetokounmpo was active elsewhere as he finished with five rebounds, two assists, and a blocked shot in 40-and-a-half minutes. That goes without even mentioning the ever-persistent hustle that Thanasis puts on display each and every night, as the forward undoubtedly displayed plenty of that in this one. While he did tally five grueling turnovers and three personal fouls, it was still an otherwise impressive showing for him as a member of the Milwaukee Bucks’ starting five.

Many view Thanasis Antetokounmpo as simply a hustle guy or Milwaukee’s around the clock hype man, but he proved yesterday that he is more than that. Though he will not see significant time as a member of the rotation in all likelihood, it was welcoming to see Thanasis show what he can bring to the table.