The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the Miami Heat by the score of 120-113 on Sunday night despite a 40-point performance from Milwaukee native Tyler Herro. Giannis Antetokounmpo played 32 minutes and posted 23 points, 16 rebounds, seven assists, a block, and a steal. He had played just 24 minutes in each of the Bucks’ first two games following the All-Star Break as he is working his way back from a calf strain.
Damian Lillard was Milwaukee’s leading scorer, putting up 28 points to go with three rebounds and eight assists. Brook Lopez had 17 points, four rebounds, one assist, and two blocks, continuing his string of scoring more points than usual following the suspension of Bobby Portis. Since coming back from the All-Star Break, Lopez is averaging 19 points per game.
Kyle Kuzma and Kevin Porter Jr. Had Strong Games for the Milwaukee Bucks
Prior to the All-Star Break, Milwaukee added forward Kyle Kuzma in the trade that sent Khris Middleton to the Washington Wizards. Since joining the Bucks, and heading into the game against Miami, the former NBA Champion has averages of 16.2 points, 8.2 rebounds, and 2.7 assists.
Against the Heat, Kuzma had 16 points, three rebounds, and three assists.
One trade that has often been ignored due to the magnitude of the Middleton trade was the one that sent MarJon Beauchamp to the Los Angeles Clippers for Kevin Porter Jr.
Coming off the bench as Lillard’s backup point guard, Porter has been an unexpected spark for Milwaukee. At one point on Sunday night, he had his own personal 7-0 run in the fourth quarter to help the Bucks take and maintain the lead in the game.
Porter finished the game with 11 points, three rebounds, two assists, and two steals in just 14 minutes.
Milwaukee Bucks Fans Are Impressed with Kevin Porter Jr.
When the Bucks first acquired Porter, many fans were upset due to the domestic violence charges brought against him in 2022, charges that resulted in him playing abroad for year.
But Porter has been everything Milwaukee has needed him to be and more. He is one of the few players outside of Giannis and Lillard who is capable of creating his own shot. With Portis out, Porter has displayed the grit the tough play that inspires the bench unit as a whole.
And fans have taken notice:
Kevin Porter Jr. tonight:
11 PTS
3 REB
2 AST
2 STL
+8 +/-
14 MINHe scored or assisted on 12 points in the fourth quarter including his own personal 7-0 run bringing life back to the Bucks after trailing nearly the entire game… What a difference maker he’s been since arriving… pic.twitter.com/SgRe2qknMz
— TheBucksZone (@TheBucksZone) February 24, 2025
KPJ has been the spark that turned around the games against both the Clippers and Heat to start out the second half of the season.
Just big time basketball from him. https://t.co/iNhG2KXe7E
— Trevor Theissen (@trev_theissen) February 24, 2025
14 mins of KPJ > 3 years of Marjon pic.twitter.com/xZ1jfw3RjX
— Pruntdog_enjoyer (@freAK34_MKE) February 24, 2025
KPJ is being rejuvenated within the basketball while on the Bucks, he’s found his home in this league and they’ve in turn embraced him as well.pic.twitter.com/mPV6VKV1HK
— Ben Sig (@sig_50) February 24, 2025
Game ball goes to KPJ. He totally changed the game
— Nathan Marzion (@nathanmarzion) February 24, 2025
There are still many games left to play, but it sure looks like Porter is going to be a key part of Milwaukee’s playoff run this year.
More Milwaukee Bucks News from Wisconsin Sports Heroics
- Bucks: Patrick Beverley Has Strong Words for the NBA Following Bobby Portis Suspension
- Giannis Antetokounmpo Became the 7th Player in NBA History to Reach Exclusive Milestone vs Heat
- Bucks Star Giannis Antetokounmpo Reveals Injury Coming Out of the All-Star Break
- “I Guess They Couldn’t Count on Me;” Bucks Get Earful from Khris Middleton
- “He Doesn’t Know How to Lose;” Giannis Has High Praise for Khris Middleton After Bucks Defeat Wizards
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