The Bucks had their home opener on Saturday night against the Houston Rockets. In the first game of a six game home stand, the hometown crowd was treated to an offensive clinic as the Bucks won easily, 125-105 . There was plenty to take away from the game. Where to begin?
Takeaway Number One: First Quarter Was Impeccable
The Bucks came out with a clear intention to bury the Rockets early, and they did just that in the first quarter. In the quarter, the Bucks got off to a 13-0 run to start the game. It was led by Giannis Antentokoumpo scoring six of the thirteen. He made it look easy. Brook Lopez was also a big contributor in the first, scoring nine points all from behind the three point line. In addition, the Bucks were 8-12 from three point range and were up big at the end of the first: 41-23. The Bucks led by as many as 27 at one point in the game.
Takeaway Number Two: Jrue Holiday Is A Stud
Perhaps his most famous play for Milwaukee was a steal from Devin Booker and alley oop to the Greek Freak in game five of the 2021 NBA Finals that led to victory, but he has been consistent and effective season after season and could take off like a rocket in 2022. In Saturday’s game against the Rockets, Holiday stepped up after a poor performance in Philadelphia. Holiday scored 19 points. With the absence of Khris Middleton for the time being, look for Holiday to continue stepping up his game offensively.
Takeaway Number Three: There Is No Stopping Giannis Antentotokumpo
To put it simply, Giannis was unstoppable all night. He scored 44 points on 17-20 from the field in only 27 minutes. It was his 30th career regular season game scoring 40 or more. Even though opposing teams KNOW where the ball is going, they still can’t stop him. It is truly remarkable to watch this guy continue to get better year after year. Good luck to the rest of the Eastern Conference trying to slow him down. He’s hungrier than ever to win his second championship.
Closing Thoughts
The Bucks offense looked much more in sync in Saturday’s win over the Rockets, led by the Greek Freak and his 44 point masterpiece. Milwaukee’s record is now 2-0 and look to build upon an impressive performance against the Rockets. Their second game of the six game home stand is on Thursday against the Brooklyn Nets.
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