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Bucks Dominate Spurs: Giannis Outshines Wembanyama in Milwaukee Showdown
Milwaukee Bucks forward Giannis Antetokounmpo (34) dunks in front of San Antonio Spurs forward Victor Wembanyama (1) at Fiserv Forum. | Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
The Milwaukee Bucks secured a convincing victory against the San Antonio Spurs, with Giannis Antetokounmpo leading the charge in a highly anticipated matchup against Victor Wembanyama. While the game didn’t quite live up to the fireworks of their first encounter in San Antonio, it still provided plenty of intrigue for basketball fans.
Giannis showcased his dominance, adjusting his approach early on to effectively attack Wembanyama. The Bucks’ strategy to contain the Spurs’ rookie phenom proved successful, as Wembanyama struggled to find his rhythm, finishing with just 10 points on 10 shots.
The Bucks’ defense was particularly impressive, limiting the Spurs’ opportunities at the rim. Only 22% of San Antonio’s shots came at the basket, and they converted just 56% of those attempts. This defensive effort was complemented by a strong offensive showing from the Bucks, who shot the ball exceptionally well for the second consecutive game.
Brook Lopez played a crucial role in stretching the floor, forcing Wembanyama to defend on the perimeter. Lopez’s ability to knock down three-pointers early in the game was instrumental in creating space for his teammates and disrupting the Spurs’ defensive game plan.
Damian Lillard, after a slow start, found his groove and consistently exploited favorable matchups, particularly against Tre Jones. His aggressive play and timely scoring helped the Bucks maintain their lead when the Spurs threatened to close the gap.
The Bucks’ bench also made significant contributions, with A.J. Green and Gary Trent Jr. providing valuable scoring punch. Green’s hot shooting in the first half energized the team and the crowd, while Trent’s perfect 5-for-5 shooting in the second half helped seal the victory.
This win marks two consecutive strong performances for the Bucks, a welcome sight after a recent stretch of inconsistent play. The team’s ability to balance offensive firepower with solid defensive efforts bodes well for their prospects moving forward.
For more insights and a deeper dive into the Bucks’ victory over the Spurs, tune into the Locked On Bucks podcast for this and much more.
Other Topics in Today’s Locked On Bucks Podcast:
Khris Middleton’s new role coming off the bench
Bobby Portis’ struggles and the Bucks’ bench depth
The Bucks’ defensive strategy against Victor Wembanyama
The Cavs, the Thunder, and the joy of a job well done
Jan 8, 2025; Cleveland, Ohio, USA; Oklahoma City Thunder guard Shai Gilgeous-Alexander (2) drives to the basket against Cleveland Cavaliers guard Caris LeVert (3) during the first half at Rocket Mortgage FieldHouse. | Ken Blaze/Imagn Images
The ESPN broadcast had its usual coach interview at the start of the fourth quarter, but the dialogue was far from typical. Instead of anodyne coach-speak, a smiling Kenny Atkinson marveled at the basketball being played before him.
“What a great basketball game,” the Cavaliers coach gushed. “I wish I could just sit back and watch it.”
As someone who did precisely that, I can say that Atkinson sure wasn’t wrong.
Cleveland/OKC had something for everyone. There were loud dunks, post moves, occasional but far from overwhelming flurries of three-pointers, high-level shotmaking, ping-pong ball movement, and great all-around defense (despite what the final score might indicate).
The major players exerted maximum effort on both sides and played more than their usual share of minutes. Coaches unveiled tactical adjustments at a lightning pace, counters to counters at a rate you usually only see in the playoffs. There was even a lot of zone defense (which, if you read Basketball Poetry, you would’ve been prepared for!). The refs were largely inobtrusive and inconsequential.
Frankly, if you didn’t like this game, there’s not much hope for you.
Something that struck me halfway through an exquisite third quarter: everyone on the court was simply doing their job. I don’t love how that sentence reads on paper; it makes it sound like a dull affair, people clocking in and clocking out before going to a chain bar with flashing neon signs instead of character for their preferred domestic light pilsner of choice.
That couldn’t be further from the truth. What is an NBA player’s job if not to entertain?
Mike Shearer (@bballispoetry) has written about the NBA full-time since 2021 at various and sundry places. For more from Mike, check out his Substack bestseller, Basketball Poetry, where he uses unnecessary metaphors and the occasional haiku to discuss the NBA’s happenings with an analytical lens.
Home and Away
Analysis The Milwaukee Bucks showcased resilience and strategic depth against the Spurs, with key takeaways highlighting Giannis Antetokounmpo’s critical role and Victor Wembanyama’s impressive performance. (Brew Hoop)
Milestone Giannis Antetokounmpo continues to solidify his legacy, achieving a significant record in the game against the Spurs, further cementing his place among the NBA’s legends. (Behind the Buck Pass)
Personnel Khris Middleton shared his reaction to Doc Rivers’ decision to bench him, providing a personal perspective on coaching strategies and player management within the Bucks. (Bleacher Report)
Ranking Victor Wembanyama’s rise in the 2025 NBA MVP leaderboard surpasses Stephen Curry, highlighting his exceptional performance this season. (Bleacher Report)
Analysis Doc Rivers explains the tactical reasons behind benching Khris Middleton despite his strong numbers as a starter. This strategic move aims to enhance the team’s flexibility. (CBS Sports)
Watch Victor Wembanyama’s circus shots against the Bucks are a must-see. The San Antonio rookie dazzled with his amazing plays, captivating viewers. (CBS Sports)
Analysis A look at the state of zone defense in the NBA. Who’s running it, and who isn’t? (Basketball Poetry)
Must Read NBA greats think this D-II coach is a basketball genius. So why don’t you know who Jim Crutchfield is? (The Athletic)
Analysis Is this the worst rookie class in modern NBA history? Jared Dubin examines box-score production to compare this year’s rookies to the past. (Last Night in Basketball)
Fantasy Cheat Sheet
Fantasy Basketball Waiver Wire: Must-Add Players and Surprising Drops
Jan 7, 2025; San Francisco, California, USA; Miami Heat forward Jaime Jaquez Jr. (11) is defended by Golden State Warriors forward Andrew Wiggins (22) during the first quarter at Chase Center. Mandatory Credit: John Hefti-Imagn Images | John Hefti/John Hefti-Imagn Images
As we approach the NBA trade deadline, it’s crucial to stay on top of the fantasy basketball waiver wire. Let’s dive into the most added and dropped players over the last 48 hours, and discuss some must-roster options for your fantasy teams.
Jaime Jaquez Jr. tops the list of most added players on Basketball Monster. While he’s had two solid games recently, I’m cautious about his long-term value, especially if Jimmy Butler is traded. Remember, any incoming player in a Butler trade could easily take over his role and minutes.
Ryan Dunn is another popular add, likely due to the Suns’ five-game week. However, he’s not a long-term hold for 12-team leagues. Use him for the extra games this week, but be prepared to move on quickly.
Kelly Oubre Jr. is seeing increased opportunities with Paul George out, making him a solid short-term add. Naji Marshall has also been playing well and is worth considering, despite a recent poor shooting night.
Don’t let these episodes pass you by — stay locked in with the latest Locked On Bucks podcasts.
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Can the Milwaukee Bucks maintain their momentum after a blowout win over the Toronto Raptors? With Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard leading the charge, the Bucks put together a much needed win over the Toronto Raptors. Explore the dynamics of the Milwaukee Bucks’ recent victory, and what went differently for this team against another sub-.500 opponent. The discussion also highlights Andre Jackson Jr.'s impact and the best role for Khris Middleton.
What’s up with the Milwaukee Bucks losing to sub-.500 teams? This episode explores the impact of illness on key players, the reintegration of Khris Middleton, and the team’s fluctuating offensive and defensive rankings. Camille Davis, alongside insights from Doc Rivers, Antetokounmpo and Lillard, breaks down the Bucks’ performance issues and potential solutions.
