The Milwaukee Bucks defeated the San Antonio Spurs 113-92 on Thursday afternoon in both teams first non-intrasquad basketball since COVID-19 derailed the 2019-2020 NBA season.
Shaking off the Rust
The Bucks were 1-7 to start the game and struggled with consistency throughout most of the first half. The Bucks defense kept the game close and ignited the offense with some easy transition points.
Reigning MVP Giannis Antetokounmpo stuffed the stat sheet with 22 points, four assists, three rebounds and three steals in just 20 minutes. He was a perfect 8-8 from inside the 3-point arc but struggled with his shot — 3-8 from the free-throw line and 1-5 on three-pointers.
All-star Khris Middleton’s shot was also shaky — 4-12 from the field, including 1-6 from three. However, an aggressive Middleton was the catalyst for the Bucks offense, he drew three shooting fouls en route to scoring the first eight points of the 3rd quarter. Middleton finished with 16 points and five assists in 20 minutes.
The Bucks backed Middleton’s aggressiveness and separated from the Spurs in the 3rd quarter. In the final seconds of the 3rd, Giannis dug deep into his bag for this clever pass to Robin Lopez in the corner, extending the lead to 20.
What’s on tap?
The Bucks have two more scrimmages to get their legs under them before the games start to count.
Saturday, July 25th vs Sacramento Kings at 12:30 p.m.
Monday, July 27th vs New Orleans Pelicans at 8 p.m.
The Bucks 2019-2020 season will officially continue when they play the Boston Celtics on Friday, July 31st at 5:30 p.m.
Update on Missing Contributors
Eric Bledsoe’s arrival to the ‘bubble’ was delayed due to a positive COVID-19 test. He is currently in the ‘bubble’ but is under quarantine while he waits for two negative tests 24 hours apart. His status for the scrimmage against the Kings is still up in the air.
Pat Connaughton, who also tested positive, has yet to join the Bucks in the ‘bubble’. Even though he is not with the team, he is still supporting them from afar.
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