Just another day’s work for Giannis Antetokounmpo and Damian Lillard as they took the court for one final Milwaukee Bucks preseason game against the Memphis Grizzlies where the Bucks came out on top, 124-116. This marked the last preseason game until the regular season opener on Thursday, Oct. 26 against the Philadelphia 76ers.
The Bucks came from behind after trailing 11 points in the fourth quarter when MarJon Beauchamp and AJ Green had some electric energy on the court for the Bucks. Beauchamp finished Friday night with 18 points on 7-of-9 shooting, hitting 4-of-5 from the three-point range. Green hit three three-pointers.
HIMChamp 👑
🔥 @paysbig pic.twitter.com/2J7IhmIXxI
— Milwaukee Bucks (@Bucks) October 21, 2023
Bucks Big Three Make Debut
While Antetokounmpo and Lillard made their preseason debuts against the Los Angeles Lakers, this was the first time Bucks fans were able to see the Big Three with Khris Middleton finally making his preseason debut. Middleton started alongside Dame, Giannis, Brook Lopez and Malik Beasley, who seems like he’s going to be the fifth starter to begin the season.
Middleton was one for three with two assists in the first five minutes of the game while Antetokounmpo had eight points, two assists and Dame contributed five points. The Bucks were quickly able to take an 18-12 lead over Memphis. Lillard and Lopez came back out for the second quarter, helping the Bucks lead 38-35 and they went 9-0 on threes thanks to Beasley, Jae Crowder and Lopez. Middleton had seven minutes of action in the second quarter, ending his night at halftime with 12 minutes of play. He was moving very good and quickly, which is a good sign after having knee surgery in May.
Antetokounmpo showed up and showed out once again, leading the team with 26 points, seven rebounds, and four assists. He was just two for eight from the free-throw line, but was 12-for-18 from the floor (66%). Giannis had 27 minutes of gametime through three quarters.
Lillard also had 27 minutes of playing time, finishing his night with 19 points on 6-of-14 shooting, and 2-of-9 from the three-point range, three assists, and three rebounds.
Brook Lopez, though scoring 11 points and having five rebounds, he was tacked with five fouls, including a technical foul after he argued with an official off-court after being called for his fifth in the third quarter.
FINAL: Bucks 124, Grizzlies 116
– G. Antetokounmpo 26pts/7reb/4ast
– Lillard 19pts/5reb/3ast
– Beauchamp 18pts/2ast
– B. Lopez 11pts/5rebThe Bucks win their final preseason game. Regular season starts on Thursday vs. Philadelphia.
— Eric Nehm (@eric_nehm) October 21, 2023
Bobby Portis Sits This One Out, Cam Payne Injured
Bobby Portis did not play in Friday’s contest as he was ruled out to what would later be revealed as a right knee contusion. Doesn’t sound too serious, but coach Adrian Griffin probably wanted to play it safe so he’s ready to go for Thursday’s regular season opener.
Point guard Cam Payne left the game with just eight minutes left in the second quarter and did not return. Payne was ultimately ruled out of the game with a right thigh contusion (bruise). The contusion was still being evaluated to determine severity.
#Bucks head coach Adrian Griffin said Bobby Portis had a right knee issue (clarified as a contusion) and said Cam Payne’s right thigh contusion was still being evaluated.
— Jim Owczarski (@JimOwczarski) October 21, 2023
Up Next:
The Milwaukee Bucks will kick off the regular season on Oct. 26 against the Philadelphia 76ers. You can catch the action on Bally Sports Wisconsin, NBA League Pass, and YouTube TV.
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