The Bucks came to play today, the Nets young players were the only thing keeping them afloat. Jalen Wilson erupted with his minute increase, scoring 21 points as a new career high. The Nets defense took a hit when Mikal Bridges left the game early.
Bridges would have normally guarded Middleton who ended up having a fantastic night. The Nets kept the game within 10 points in the first half. However, the Bucks gained momentum after half and never let up, finishing the game with a 22 point lead.
Giannis Leads the Bucks with His Resilience
Giannis scored 32 points, adding 10 rebounds and 8 assists. Antetokounmpo took full advantage of Nicolas Claxton not playing. Claxton, a premier interior defender would have been his matchup but instead it was Day’Ron Sharpe holding down the paint.
Giannis got to the free throw line with ease. Many of his drives resulted in and-one attempts. He made the defense feel like they had to foul him in order to get a stop. Giannis proceeded to shoot 12 for 17 from the charity stripe, making sure to give the bucks at least a point every drive.
Bucks’ Middleton Leads Game in Assists
Khris Middleton was the primary playmaker tonight. He had ten assists on the night, dishing to every starter. My favorite play of his tonight was this lob to Giannis, it happened to be the 5th lob that Giannis had tonight, making the most of the lack of an interior presence in the paint.
Giannis is absolutely eating. This is the 5th lob he’s caught against the nets tonight! pic.twitter.com/EkqNpgBfla
— 🤍’ (@Heavenlybuckets) December 28, 2023
Middleton had a great game in multiple areas, including scoring. He was the leading scorer throughout the first three quarters. The small forward made the most out of his famous mid range pull ups, knocking them down over the smaller defenders. Middleton also knocked down 3 of his 7 attempts from 3 to add to his 27 point double double performance.
