After being blown out in New York the Bucks needed a big game and boy did they. Playing against Miami for the first time since they lost to the in the playoffs, the Bucks came out swinging and never stopped. Setting the NBA record for most three point shots made in a game along the way!
Bucks Start Hot
From tip-off Milwaukee was on fire. They began with a 12-0 run and at one point it was 19-3. The Bucks were firing on all cylinders both on offense and defense. Forcing turnovers and scoring in transition gave Milwaukee their lead to start.
After Miami settled down on offense, Milwaukee began shining in their half-court set. Brook Lopez had 10 points in the first six minutes and Jrue started 4/4 from the field for 11 points! The Bucks ended the period with a 46-26 lead.
Fear ALL The Deer
In a turn of events, Thanasis actually got some meaningful minutes early in a game. Not only that but he also held his own on the court. He was the only Antetokounmpo brother to make a three tonight as well.
The biggest story of the quarter however was the hot shooting of Khris Middleton. He finished the first half with 20 points on 8/9 shooting. It seemed no matter where he was on the court, Khris was going to be making the shot.
Milwaukee headed into the locker room with a 73-43 lead at half, shooting 16-27 from three!
The Rain Continues
Jrue Holiday got the Bucks rolling in the third quarter. Playing great on defense, finishing at the rim, along with shooting great from outside. After 26 minutes of play he had 24 points on 9/15 shooting, including 6/10 from 3! Holiday made a statement to anyone still questioning if Milwaukee overpaid to get him this year. His stellar defense and controlled offense really give the Bucks a new dimension.
To demonstrate how big of a blowout this was, TNT switched to another game about halfway through the third quarter. If that isn’t the most perfect example of bias against Milwaukee in the media I don’t know what is. Milwaukee broke the franchise record for most 3’s in a game in more than a quarter to spare!
Heading into the final quarter, the Bucks were up 115-75!
Bench Mob Breaks the Record
In the fourth, the entire Bucks bench had their moments. Jordan Nwora entered and hit a couple nice threes. This included a Harden-esque step-back longball as well.
The previous NBA record for most three pointers made was tied by DJ Wilson with eight minutes left in the game. Closely followed by rookie Sam Merrill’s triple with 6 minutes to spare to break the record!
When all was said and done, Milwaukee nearly won by 50 points. They had a 144-93 lead with 1:36 left in the game before having foul trouble in the end. The only player available for the Bucks to not make a three was Giannis, who went 0-2. The final score was 144-97, the largest margin of victory on the road in Bucks’ history as well.
Side Notes
Donte DiVincenzo played extremely well tonight. Going 5-6 from long distance for 17 points in 19 minutes.
Giannis’ early season struggles on offense continued tonight. In 24 minutes of work he finished with 6 rebounds and 6 assists but just 9 points on 3-9 shooting. It appears his chemistry with his new teammates is a work in progress. He is forcing shots instead of passing to the open shooters when 3 or 4 defenders collapse on him.
It is crazy to think that Milwaukee defeated the Heat (without Butler) by nearly 50 despite Giannis not playing well. If Giannis can figure it out and the rest of the main pieces can keep it up, watch out.
***********************************************************************
Follow me on Twitter @IAmMitchLang and follow us at @WiscoHeroics1 for more great content! To keep up with everything in Wisconsin sports, click here!
