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Bucks’ Grit Shines in Narrow Victory Over Rockets
Milwaukee Bucks center Brook Lopez (11) blocks the shot of Houston Rockets guard Amen Thompson (1) during the second quarter at Fiserv Forum.|Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
The Milwaukee Bucks showcased their resilience in a thrilling 101-100 victory against the Houston Rockets. This game was a testament to the Bucks’ ability to find a way to win, even when the odds seemed stacked against them. The Rockets, coming off a five-game winning streak, proved to be formidable opponents, displaying athleticism and versatility throughout the game.
A Game of Runs and Resilience
The Bucks started sluggishly, trailing by 13 points in the first quarter. However, they turned the tide with a 12-point lead by halftime. The third quarter saw the Rockets, led by Fred VanVleet, chip away at the Bucks’ lead, setting the stage for a nail-biting final quarter. The Rockets surged ahead with an 11-2 run, but the Bucks responded with a decisive 16-9 run to seal the victory.
Watching the Bucks navigate the final stretch was nerve-wracking. The Rockets’ athleticism, particularly in offensive rebounding, posed significant challenges. Yet, the Bucks’ defense, anchored by Brook Lopez and Giannis Antetokounmpo, proved crucial. Lopez’s 27 points, 10 rebounds, and four blocks were instrumental, while Antetokounmpo’s defensive prowess, including three blocks, was a game-changer.
Offensive Struggles and Defensive Triumphs
Offensively, the Bucks faced challenges. Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard, usually reliable scorers, struggled. Antetokounmpo had an uneven performance with eight turnovers, while Lillard’s three-point shooting woes continued, going 1 for 18 over his last three games. Despite these struggles, Lillard remained aggressive - knocking down the game winning shot, and Antetokounmpo made a crucial defensive plays late in the game.
Lopez’s performance was a standout. His ability to score in various ways, from three-pointers to inside plays, kept the Bucks in the game. His defensive contributions were equally vital, as he consistently disrupted the Rockets’ offensive flow. The Bucks’ defense, often criticized this season, stepped up when it mattered most, showcasing the team’s potential to win games through defensive grit.
The Bucks’ rotation also raised eyebrows. Andre Jackson Jr. started but saw limited minutes, while Pat Connaughton didn’t play at all. This decision, attributed to the strong performances of other players, highlights the evolving dynamics within the team. As the Bucks continue to adjust their rotation, finding the right balance will be key to maintaining their winning momentum.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Bucks’ strategies and performances, tune into the Locked On Bucks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Bucks Podcast:
The impact of Brook Lopez’s defensive and offensive contributions
Analysis of the Bucks’ rotation and player performances
Insights into the Bucks’ upcoming game against the Chicago Bulls
Discussion on the Bucks’ offensive struggles and potential solutions
The Sixers are no longer just bad, they’re cornered
Philadelphia 76ers center Joel Embiid (21) looks on against the Miami Heat during the third quarter at Kaseya Center|Photo by Sam Navarro-Imagn Images
Look, I held off as long as I could, told myself it was only an awkward start. I looked to silver linings, to the tendency that things going wrong for this long tend to right themselves. I looked to the surrounding conditions for clues and when none revealed themselves, I decided to stay positive but now, it’s time: time to talk about the Philadelphia 76ers.
Beyond what Sixers fans know intimately and don’t need reiterated (things are bad), the mood around the franchise is starting to feel closer to cornered than merely frustrated. Last night, after a third quarter collapse against the Heat in Miami, the Sixers held a postgame meeting that lasted over an hour. The game already had a bizarre feel to it, Philly led by 19 before being down 20, and Joel Embiid went from being listed as doubtful to starting. No one on the Sixers roster looked especially comfortable, a trend that’s emerged throughout the team’s first full month of regular season play.
Slipping now to the bottom of the Eastern Conference, with a record of 2-11 I still feel the need to double check as I write this, one thing has become abundantly clear — the Sixers don’t have room to hedge.
There’s no scapegoat to pin the team’s shoddy performance on, not this early in the season. Even when healthy, and Embiid, George and Maxey are on the floor together, it’s been for naught. Both the teams wins came in arduous overtime, one without George and both without Embiid. The Sixers win against the Hornets was missing Maxey completely.
Here’s a problem I’ve wondered about since Daryl Morey landed George in what was declared an undisputed win for the franchise and the best move of the offseason — what about Philadelphia’s role players? To clear the books for cap space enough to sign George, Daryl Morey liquidated the team’s working roster — 13 of the team’s 15 man squad became free agents. Tobias Harrias and Nicolas Batum may not be spring chickens in NBA terms, but they provided the mechanical support the Sixers are now woefully lacking. This isn’t the Sixers only problem, that much has been made clear, but it’s a big one.
Katie Heindl is a credentialed NBA and WNBA writer, her bylines have appeared with The New York Times Magazine, SLAM, The Athletic, Yahoo Sports, Dime, Rolling Stone, among others. She writes the bestselling Substack, Basketball Feelings and is working on a book of the same name.
Home and Away
Replay The Bucks’ clash with the Rockets saw Damian Lillard and Brook Lopez shine, leading to a thrilling win. The game featured notable strategic adjustments. (BrewHoop)
Analysis Check out the rotation strategy that led the Bucks to triumph over the Rockets, highlighting some major changes in the lineup. (Behind the Buck Pass)
Biz Former NBA stars Vince Carter and Tracy McGrady are looking to buy a minority stake in the NFL’s Buffalo Bills (CityTV)
Must Read Knicks forward OG Anunoby says he’s tired of being known for his defensive prowess. (The Athletic, subscription required)
3peat (ICYMI)
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Bucks podcasts.
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