For as long as Bucks’ fans can remember, the Bucks have struggled to close out games. Even going into this season, it seemed as if the team could not put teams away late in games. Ever since the All-Star break, though, that has changed. The Bucks have played in close games, but have been able to pull away late. Tonight, they extended their win streak to six by burying the San Antonio Spurs 120-113 with a late run.
The Bucks’ Slow Start
Another unfortunate tendency of the Bucks’ previous teams has been their inability to fight back after falling behind to large leads early. On this night, the Spurs led 33-26 after the first quarter, thanks in large part to DeMar DeRozan’s eight points in the period. At one point in the second quarter, the Spurs extended their lead to 14 points. That, however, was not to last.
Last week the Bucks hadn’t won a game all season when trailing by 10 or more.
They’ve now won 3 straight after trailing by 10 or more.
— Justin Wills (@itsjwills) March 21, 2021
The Bucks Roar Back
After falling behind by 14 points, the Bucks ended the second quarter on a 29-8 run and led 57-50 going into halftime. The Spurs, who were tough on Giannis Antetokounmpo almost all night, were torched the supporting casts’ three point shooting.
Spread the floor & let it fly. pic.twitter.com/rMcmIlkqxH
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) March 21, 2021
Pulling Away Late
The San Antonio Spurs made it a tough game. After pulling within a point with seconds remaining in the third quarter, Jrue Holiday drew a three-point foul with 0.5 seconds remaining in the period. He knocked down all three free throws, giving the Bucks a four point lead entering the fourth quarter.
The Spurs were tough on Giannis Antetokounmpo for most of the night, but that did not stop the two-time MVP from making a difference. When the Spurs threw up a wall around the basket, Giannis kicked out to his teammates. As a result, the Greek Freak matched his career-high with 15 assists.
With the score 98-94 in the fourth, Khris Middleton knocked down a three pointer and Pat Connaughton had a layup to extend the lead. Coming out of a Spurs’ timeout, Middleton knocked down two more three pointers. To seal the deal, Giannis thundered home a monstrous dunk and added a three pointer of his own.
OH. MY. GIANNIS!!! pic.twitter.com/MwBFoBaGYG
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) March 21, 2021
Bucks’ Top Performers
- The Bucks were led by Giannis, who had 26 points, eight rebounds, and 15 assists. He continued his hot free throw shooting, going 6/7 from the line.
- Khris Middleton had 23 points on 9/16 shooting, including 3/4 from behind the arc.
- Jrue Holiday had 21 points, shooting 50% from the field and from three.
- Donte DiVincenzo had a double-double: 12 points and 13 rebounds.
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Spurs’ Top Performers
- Lonnie Walker IV had a career-high 31 points.
- DeMar DeRozan added 22 points and 13 assists.
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