The Milwaukee Bucks surprised everyone when Giannis Antetokounmpo was added to the starting lineup minutes before gametime. Unfortunately, the two-time MVP was only able to play a little over six minutes. Giannis bumped knees with a Miami Heat defender and missed the rest of the game. Fortunately, the return of Bobby Portis, the additions of Jae Crowder and Myles Leonard, and the All-Star play of Jrue Holiday was enough to lead the Bucks to a 124-99 blowout victory of the Heat.
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Bobby Portis and the Newcomers Highlight the Bucks’ Victory
Fan-favorite Bobby Portis had missed the Bucks’ last 11 games due to a sprained knee and ankle. He picked up right where he left off, though, in his return to the court. Portis proved he is one of the best mid-range shooters in the NBA once again, scoring 18 points on 7-11 shooting. He also provided a rebounding boost in Giannis’ absence, grabbing a game-high 11.
Jae Crowder returned to Milwaukee, the city in which he played in college, to thunderous applause from the home crowd. Crowder came as advertised, making both of his three point attempts and playing shutdown defense. He finished the night with nine points, three rebounds, and a steal.
Myles Leonard, whose signing by the team was controversial, played well in his first NBA action in almost two years. The forward/center had been plagued by numerous injuries that kept him off the court. Leonard made one of his two three point attempts and was a presence on both the offensive and defensive boards.
Red-Hot Three Point Shooting, Defense Guide Milwaukee to Victory
Milwaukee shot a blistering 41.9% from three compared to just 22.5% for the Miami Heat. Grayson Allen was four of eight from beyond the arc while Jrue Holiday was five for nine. Jevon Carter was really the only Bucks player who struggled from the field, going one for eight from three.
Defensively, Milwaukee forced six steals and had 47 defensive rebounds compared the Heats’ 36. Overall, the Bucks won the rebounding battle 57-45.
Milwaukee Bucks: Box Score
- Giannis Antetokounmpo: four points, four rebounds, four assists
- Brook Lopez: 17 points, seven rebounds, one assist
- Jrue Holiday: 24 points, five rebounds, seven assists, one block
- Grayson Allen: 16 points, one rebound, three assists
- Jevon Carter: 11 points, eight rebounds, two assists, one steal
- Jae Crowder: nine points, three rebounds, one steal
- Joe Ingles: four points, four rebounds, four assists, one steal
- Myles Leonard: five points, six rebounds, one steal
- AJ Green: six points, one rebound, four assists
- MarJon Beauchamp: zero points, two rebounds
- Thanasis Antetokounmpo: two points, one rebound
Miami Heat: Box Score
- Jimmy Butler: 23 points, two rebounds, one assist
- Kevin Love, zero points, eight rebounds, four assists, one steal, one block
- Bam Adebayo: 18 points, seven rebounds, one assist, one steal
- Tyler Herro: 14 points, five rebounds, one assist
- Gabe Vincent: two points, one rebound, one assist
- Cody Zeller: 10 points, four rebounds, three assists
- Victor Oladipo: two points, four rebounds, three assists
- Max Strus: five points, four rebounds, four assist, one block
- Caleb Martin: 17 points, five rebounds, one assist, three blocks
- Duncan Robinson: three points, two rebounds, one assist, three steals
- Haywood Highsmith: three points, two rebounds
- Jamal Cain: two points, one rebound, one assist
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FAQs
When Was the Last Time Milwaukee Bucks Won a Championship?
The Milwaukee Bucks’ latest NBA Championship was captured in 2021. Giannis Antetokounmpo was dubbed MVP, averaging 35.2 points, 13.2 rebounds, 5.0 assists, 1.2 steals, and 1.8 blocks per game.
Who Owns the Milwaukee Bucks?
The Milwaukee Bucks are owned by a group of 20 investors. Major investors include Marc Lasry, Wes Edens, Jamie Dinan and Mike Fascitelli. Minority owners range from quarterback Aaron Rodgers to Gale Klappa, Executive Chairman of Wisconsin Energy Corporation.
How Many Championships Do the Milwaukee Bucks Have?
The Milwaukee Bucks have won two NBA Championships. The first came in 1971 under head coach Larry Costello. The latest came in 2021 under head coach Mike Budenholder.
Will the Milwaukee Bucks win the NBA Championship in 2023?
With another MVP-caliber season from Giannis Antetokounmpo, the Bucks continue to lead the Eastern Conference Central Division. Kris Middleton is getting healthy and Brook Lopez is having a career year – signaling the Milwaukee will make another run at the championship in 2023.
Who Is the Greek Freak?
Giannis Antetokounmpo is the Greek Freak. He was given the name based on his home country, Greece, plus his freakish size and athleticism for an NBA power forward.
