The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Oklahoma City Thunder Saturday night 108-94 without Giannis Antetokounmpo who sat the game out with right knee soreness. An ailment likely the result of the Bucks only back to back in the month of November.
The Bucks and Thunder were within one point of each other in the first, third and fourth quarters scoring wise, the Bucks created their separation in the second quarter outscoring the Thunder 33-19. Let’s take a look at three key takeaways from this win.
Takeaways from the Milwaukee Bucks win over the Thunder: The rookie’s first start
Rookie MarJon Beauchamp got the start in the absence of Giannis Antetokounmpo, starting at the small forward position as Bobby Portis joined him in the starting lineup at power forward with Grayson Allen coming off the bench for this game.
Beauchamp played easily the best game of his young career on Friday night against the Timberwolves and was rewarded handsomely with his first career start.
The returns on Beauchamp’s first start are a bit rough if you only look at the box score. Beauchamp scored just two points on 1-of-9 shooting including 0-for-6 on 3-point attempts. However, Beauchamp did collect five rebounds and a steal and was diving on the floor, showing off his ability and willingness to hustle.
MarJon did foul out of this game and has a lot to learn, however he possesses all of the physical tools to be a player that could become the best first round pick since Giannis Antetokounmpo for the Bucks.