The Milwaukee Bucks improved to 30-24 on the season with their 116-110 victory over the Los Angeles Clippers on Thursday night. It was their first game following the All-Star Break, a contest that many fans have looked forward to, but few were optimistic about winning considering the news that broke in the hours leading up to tip-off.
Earlier on Thursday, it was reported that perennial Sixth Man of the Year candidate Bobby Portis, who is averaging 13.7 points and 8.3 rebounds per game this season, has been suspended 25 games by the NBA for violating the league’s drug policy. In statements by Portis, his agent, and the Bucks that followed the report, it was revealed the failed test occurred months ago, and was the result of the star forward taking a banned painkiller by mistake.
In addition to losing Portis, it was also revealed that nine-time All-Star Giannis Antetokounmpo was to play on a minutes restriction. With their main backup big man out for 25 games, many wondered just how well Milwaukee would be able to play with Giannis limited.
The Milwaukee Bucks Defeated the Los Angeles Clippers 116-110
While there was some pessimism going into the game against the Clippers, Bucks fans were treated to a highly entertaining and hard-fought contest. After struggling to keep pace with Los Angeles in the first quarter, forward Kyle Kuzma heaved a three-quarters shot at the buzzer and drained it, cutting the deficit to one.
In the second quarter, Milwaukee pulled ahead of the Clippers on the backs of hot shooting and brilliant defense.
After leading 57-50 at half-time, though, the Bucks’ third quarter struggles returned. The team committed over 10 turnovers in the period, and allowed the Clippers to take am 89-80 lead going into the fourth quarter.
Surprisingly, Giannis started the fourth quarter even though many thought head coach Doc Rivers would save him for the final six minutes of the game. It turned out to be an excellent decision, though. The Greek Freak played inspired basketball and led Milwaukee back in the few short minutes he was on the floor.
He finished the game with 23 points, eight rebounds, four assists, and one of his signature chase-down blocks, all in just 24 minutes of play.
Milwaukee Bucks Center Brook Lopez Tied an NBA Record in the Win
With Giannis limited and Portis out, it was imperative for Milwaukee to get quality production from their 36-year-old center Brook Lopez, who many fans wanted to see traded at the deadline.
Fortunately, he remained put (obviously because the Bucks knew the Portis suspension was coming). On this night, Lopez had 22 points, seven rebounds, two assists, one steal, and four blocked shots. He was 8-14 from the field (4-7 from three) and a perfect 2-2 from the line.
What is interesting about his performance is that he has tied San Antonio Spurs superstar Victor Wembanyama for the most games in NBA history with four three-pointers made and four blocked shots:
Brook Lopez ties Wemby for the most games in NBA history with 4+ 3PM & 4+ BLK. pic.twitter.com/DCNFc0Aewa
— Real Sports (@realapp_) February 21, 2025
This record is impressive for two reasons. The first is that Wembanyama is only in his second year in the league and is just 21 years old. It truly is a testament to how great of a player he is. Unfortunately, his season has come to an end after doctors discovered a blood clot in his shoulder.
The second reason is that Lopez did not start taking and making three point shots until his ninth NBA season. He is one of the best examples of a player who has been humble enough to evolve his game to fit the times. Indeed, his ability to become a reliable three-point shooter probably has extended his career by quite a few years.
More Milwaukee Bucks News from Wisconsin Sports Heroics
- “25 Games for Tramadol?” Bucks Fans Question Harsh Punishment for Bobby Portis
- Bucks Fans’ Instant Reactions to Bobby Portis Suspension
- Bucks’ Damian Lillard Eligible for Big Payday This Season
- Bucks Fans Are Furious with Latest Giannis Antetokounmpo Report
- Bucks’ Giannis Antetokounmpo Wants 1-on-1 Moment vs Khris Middleton
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